'Gut-wrenching' post office break-in

Postmaster Liam Searle said up to £20,000 could have been taken

A break-in at a post office where up to £20,000 could have been taken is "gut-wrenching", the postmaster has said.

Dorset Police said they were called on Thursday morning to reports of a burglary at the post office on St Thomas Street in Weymouth.

Postmaster Liam Searle said there was "considerable" damage to the premises but they were hoping to reopen on Friday.

Police are investigating but no arrests have been made.

Mr Searle said there was damage to the premises

Mr Searle said the post office, which was closed on Thursday, was "absolutely vital" for the community, especially at this time of year.

"It is Christmas coming up now, we would be looking at taking maybe 400 people through the door [per day]," he said.

"It is our busiest time of year by far."

Mr Searle said an audit would take place on Friday to determine how much was taken, but he thought it could be up to £20,000.

The post office was closed on Thursday

He said he and the staff had put a lot of work and time into making it a good post office.

"We work really hard with the community to build relationships, to bridge gaps and to give Weymouth a post office that they're proud of," he said.

"We make sure everyone on the street knows we're around and available and bring their community back into the post offices... then this happens."

He added: "It personally is gut wrenching for me, but actually I feel much worse for the staff who are here... all day, every day, and the customers that come in and give us their support because really it's their post office."

But he said the break in was not going to deter them and that they would be open tomorrow, even if it was not first thing.

"Please don't forget us," he said.

"Please come back and use us."