A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with an incident in Frizington yesterday (Wednesday).

A woman, who works at the Post Office and is understood to live in the village, was threatened with a firearm around 6.15am. She was not harmed in the incident but a police spokesman said she had been left “distressed”.

Following a manhunt, the 20-year-old local man was arrested this afternoon (Thursday).

Police received a 999 call just after 6.15am and armed officers were sent to the area to find the offender, who left the store with cash.

The Post Office has a counter within the shop, Lifestyle Express, on Main Street, which is owned by Imran Khan. It does not open until 7am but it is understood the woman was in early to set up newspapers.

Crime scene investigators attended the scene, along with a dozen police vehicles and sniffer dogs.

The road was cordoned off from the Mill Street roundabout part way up Main Street. And crowds gathered to watch as police officers searched the area.

The offender is described as a being 5ft 9ins or 10ins tall, of slim build and was wearing black jogging pants and a black sweatshirt. He was also wearing a mask.

Detective Inspector Dan St Quintin today (Wednesday) said: “We take all incidents involving a firearm with the utmost seriousness, and have a number of resources in the area searching for this offender.

“We do not believe there to be any threat to the public at this time.”

Gordon Webster, of Griffin Close, spoke of his “shock” at the incident. He said: “It’s a terrible thing to have happened, but we’re lucky that the shop staff are unhurt.

“The same shop had an overnight break-in around three months ago.”

John Preston, a taxi driver who lives opposite the building, said: “I looked out the window and all I could see was wall-to-wall police officers.”

Anyone with any information should call Cumbria Police on 101.