A THIEF stole a safe from a Selby post office in an early morning raid.

The offender broke into East Common Post Office in Barwic Parade at about 6.15am on Saturday - the second time the post office has been targeted by thieves in six months.

North Yorkshire Police said the thief leapt across the counter and stole a safe before running out of the building and towards Volta Street.

As he ran from the post office, a passing motorist got out of his car and chased the suspect, who dropped the safe and managed to get away.

Officers investigating the case have studied CCTV from the post office and say the robbery was committed by a slim white man aged between 25 and 35, who was 5ft 8ins tall and wearing black trousers, trainers, a black hooded top with white detailing on the pocket, and a balaclava.

DC Amanda Bostwick, of Selby CID, said: “I would like to thank the man who chased the suspect for his public spirited actions and ask that he gets in touch as I believe that he has vital information that could help the investigation.”

In January, the same post office was targeted by thieves who stole cash and cigarettes, and three people were later arrested in connection with the incident.

A 48-year-old local woman was released without further action, but two men from Sunderland, aged 38 and 41, were charged last week with conspiracy to commit burglary, and will appear at Selby Magistrates’ Court on July 19.

Anyone with information about Saturday’s burglary can phone police on 101, quoting reference 12120100845. Nobody at the post office wished to comment.