A man suspected of robbing Kingswear Post Office at knifepoint is facing a crown court trial.

John Philip Osborne, 34, of Townstal, Dartmouth, appeared before magistrates in Plymouth, who transferred his case to Exeter Crown Court on Monday, October, 9th. He remains in custody.

Osborne was arrested by armed police in Dartmouth after staff at the post office reported they had been robbed at knifepoint on Thursday afternoon last week, shortly before 4pm.

The man fled on foot and an extensive search involving armed police, the force helicopter and a police dog followed.

The suspect took a ferry across the Dart and into Dartmouth, where police surrounded the Seale Arms on Victoria Road.

A man left the pub and ran up Victoria Road towards Anzac Street, with three or four police vehicles behind him and one in front. Officers arrested the suspect at the junction of Anzac Street and Victoria Road, pinning him down with an “appropriate level force” at about 5pm.

Jason and Jo Byrne run the post office next to the Lower Ferry slip.

Mr Byrne said: “After the robbery, I went outside and up Alma Steps to find out which way he went and pick up any money he dropped.

“By the time we reached the top of the steps, I saw the police helicopter overhead and a police car speeding down Church Hill. Their response was so fast.”

Sgt Iain Simons was first on the scene in Kingswear. He said: “This was a community effort.

“Both ferries closed before I arrived. They had anticipated what we needed and both ferries were cleared ready for us. People in the community were aware of what was happening and their help and information enabled us to deal with a very serious incident and to take a suspect into custody within one hour 15 minutes of the robbery.”

Cllr Jonathan Hawkins said: “Jo and Jason are a lovely couple who are an important part of our small community. Always with a smile and a big welcome to their customers.

“This was a really shocking event, but I’m so pleased that no one was hurt. Both were dutifully back on duty the next day.”