AN EX-POSTMISTRESS is still in shock five days after a village shop was attempted to be robbed by two armed men.

Julie Cleife, who owns the building of The Wallops Village Shop in Over Wallop, said it is fortunate that nobody was physically hurt in the attempted robbery.

The incident saw two armed men, both wearing dark clothing with hooded tops, push a customer and attempt to open an office door at the Post Office in The Wallop Village Shop, in Pound Road, Over Wallop, at 4.30pm on Monday, March 21.

Although Julie was not at the store when the incident happened, she echoed the shock of the customer and the staff who had to deal with the robbers.

“There weren’t any physical injuries, but obviously trauma-wise it wasn’t a very nice situation for people to be in, especially because they were armed,” Julie told the Advertiser.

“The two men were armed with a gun a knife and a crowbar.

“The member of the public was manhandled down the shop by the two armed assailants and told to lay on the floor and not to move.

“During this time the counter clerk was able to escape from the counter to the secure room behind the counter with the other member of staff and slam doors locked and phone the police.

“The assailants were unable to jump over the counter as screens had been erected at the beginning of the Covid outbreak. So, then they tried to gain access to the secure room by using the crowbar.

“The staff leaned against for extra security and the assailants then ran out of the shop and drove off in a silver Astra which a member of the public outside managed to get a photo.”

Julie arrived at the store five minutes after the incident when she heard from the staff about it.

The Wallop Village Shop is run by the community, while Julie owns the building.

Julie said she has given a CCTV footage of the attempted robbery to the police.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “An unsuccessful attempt was made to open an office door. The men, both wearing dark clothing with hooded tops, then left the store.

"Nothing was stolen and no injuries were reported.

"An investigation is now underway. Anyone with information should call 101 quoting the crime reference number 44220112519."