A POSTMASTER has been suspended following an armed robbery at one of his branches.

Two Southampton post offices are closed while police investigate the knifepoint raid at Bursledon Road Post Office.

Officers are staying tight-lipped on the details of their investigation but Post Office bosses admitted they have suspended Balbir Pottiwal, who also owns the Highfield Lane branch, until they know the outcome of the inquiry.

Both branches have now been closed since March 5, depriving people living nearby of a vital service.

Highfield resident Peter Knight said: "It is very unexpected and a bit strange. People are very surprised and a bit fed up at losing the resource."

Mr Pottiwal was working in the Sholing shop on Friday, February 27, when a raider in a crash helmet raced in and is said to have threatened him with a knife.

The robber, who was working with an accomplice wearing a baseball cap, pocketed an undisclosed quantity of cash from a recent delivery.

Mr Pottiwal and another member of staff were uninjured in the incident.

Four men have since been arrested and have been released on police bail in connection with the robbery. All the cash has been recovered.

A spokesman for Post Office Counters said: "The postmaster of Highfield and Bursledon Road post offices has been precautionarily suspended pending the outcome of a police investigation."

Post Office chiefs are considering sending in temporary postmasters to restore the service for residents who are currently facing lengthy walks to alternative branches.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Richard Rowledge is appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who saw the robbers making their getaway.

He said: "The postmaster was in the shop when he was accosted by two males. One wearing a full-face crash helmet who approached him and asked him for the keys to the back office and made off with a cash delivery which had just arrived. They made off down Kathleen Road.

"We are keen to speak to anybody who was in the shop prior to 10am that morning and in particular anybody who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area."

Anyone with information should call Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.