a terrifying drunk was allowed to cause mayhem in a shop because the police failed to turn up in time, a sub-postmaster has claimed.

Paul Abbott, 50, who runs Micklegate Post Office, in York, said he dialled 999 four times to report the man, who was shouting and swearing at elderly customers and pushing them around.

But he claims by the time officers arrived to deal with the incident, 25 minutes later, the drunk had already fled the branch.

Mr Abbott said when he later went to Fulford Police Station to make an official complaint, he walked out in disgust after being left in an interview room for 30 minutes with no explanation.

He has now vowed to complain to the Home Secretary about the force's handling of the incident.

He said: "It could have turned really nasty.

"We don't call 999 for fun. Everyone was so frightened of the man, he was just really threatening.

"We get addicts coming in asking us to change their money for the phone box, so I've had to stop that completely.

"As soon as I said to the man that he couldn't have any change he started swearing and jostling me.

"I don't think my customers or me were adequately protected or dealt with by the police. Post offices deserve protection.

"If you are attacked the police no longer consider you a priority."

The incident took place on Thursday, May 25, at 8.30am. Mr Abbott said he regularly suffered abuse from drug addicts and drunks demanding change.

Chief Superintendent Iain Spittal, York area commander, said: "I'm disappointed that Mr Abbott feels let down by the response he received from North Yorkshire Police.

"I will ensure that the matters he raises are looked at in detail. If our service levels did fall below the standards that we would expect, then I will ensure steps are taken to prevent it from reoccurring."

Chief Supt Spittal said every incident reported is graded to determine the level of response required. When a crime is in the process of being committed and lives are in danger, there is the potential for injury or property is being damaged, it is graded as needing an "immediate response".

"Our target aim for attending those incidents would be ten minutes within an urban environment," Chief Supt Spittal added.