Sunderland man charged with attempted robbery after two armed raids

The Post Office in Stockton Terrace in Grangetown was targeted just before 7.30am yesterday, Monday, March 30, as it prepared to open.

Staff were threatened with a bladed weapon, but no cash was taken.

Now Northumbria Police has revealed a second, similar incident happened a short distance away at the Premier store in Villette Road in Hendon.

Keaton Cooper, 21, of Trevarren Drive, Ryhope, has now been charged with two counts of attempted robbery, possessing an offensive weapon and possessing a Class B drug.

He is due before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Wednesday, April 1.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Shortly before 7.25am yesterday, officers were called to Grangetown Post Office on Stockton Terrace following a report of an attempted robbery.

“It was reported that a man had entered the store and demanded money before threatening a staff member with a knife.

“Nobody was injured and the offender fled without having taken anything.

“Less than half an hour later, we received a report of a similar incident at the Premier store on Villette Road, where it was reported a man had entered the store holding a knife and had approached the counter – but left empty-handed after being confronted by a shop worker.

“An investigation was launched into both incidents and just hours after the initial report was made, detectives arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of robbery.”