Police in Derbyshire are urgently appealing for witnesses after a Royal Mail postwoman was physically assaulted and had parcels stolen from her van in a brazen daylight robbery.
Violent Assault on Postal Worker
The incident occurred in the Goyt View area of Newtown, New Mills, at approximately 11am on Wednesday 17 December. The victim, a woman in her 30s, was carrying out her delivery duties when she was approached by two individuals.
One of the assailants punched the postwoman in the stomach before they proceeded to steal a quantity of packages from her red Royal Mail vehicle. The force of the attack left the worker shaken, though the full extent of any injuries has not been disclosed.
Suspects Posed as Highway Workers
Derbyshire Constabulary has released detailed descriptions of the two people they wish to identify. The pair were seen driving a white Ford Transit van and were dressed to appear as highway maintenance operatives, potentially to avoid raising suspicion.
The first suspect is described as a white man, of a large build, believed to be aged between 30 and 40 years old. He has dark hair and was seen wearing a green parker coat and a black woollen bobble hat.
The second suspect's gender is unclear. This individual is also white, aged in their 30s or early 40s, and was wearing a grey tracksuit, a yellow high-visibility vest, and a dark-coloured baseball cap.
Police Appeal for Dashcam and CCTV Footage
Officers from Derbyshire Constabulary have confirmed they are pursuing several lines of enquiry but are now turning to the public for crucial assistance. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone in the area who may have captured relevant footage.
"Officers have been following a number of lines of enquiry and are now asking for the public’s help to try and identify those involved," a police statement read. "Of particular interest are anyone with CCTV or doorbell footage from the area at the time, as well as any drivers with dashcam footage."
The attack has highlighted the risks faced by frontline delivery and postal staff, especially during the busy period following the festive season. Royal Mail has been contacted for comment regarding the welfare of the employee and any additional security measures.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Derbyshire Police immediately, quoting the relevant incident number.
