A post office customer helped police officers tackle a suspected armed robber.

The brave man stepped in to help when he walked into the middle of the raid, in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Officers were attempting to arrest one of the masked raiders when the customer walked in. The robbery took place at the post office in Station Road, just after 5pm on Monday. Two men wearing balaclavas and armed with a hammers forced their way behind the counter. They stole a small quantity of cash, later recovered outside.

The postmaster, who was in the shop with a customer, activated an alarm, which alerted passers-by, who flagged down a passing police car. An officer went in and was confronted by the men. He was helped by his colleague and the member of the public in detaining one of the raiders. Another passer-by attempted to detain a second suspect, described as a white man in a white shirt, who ran to a waiting white Kia Sportage with the number plate MX62 GUE. The driver of the car, which sped off towards Guiseley, was white, about 30 and of stocky build. Witnesses should call Airedale and North Bradford CID on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. The vehicle has not been recovered – police believe it was stolen and had false number plates.

A 39-year-old man remains in custody.