A 24-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery in Maryport.

The woman, from Workington, is the second person to be arrested following an armed robbery at the post office in High Street on Monday.

A 47-year-old Workington man, arrested yesterday at the Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle, is still in police custody.

Police were appealing to speak to man with a Scottish accent and a woman who tried to enter the post office in High Street shortly after a hooded robber threatened staff with a firearm at 11.30am on Monday.

It is believed they may have seen the offender.

Detective Inspector Dan St Quintin said: “Officers and detectives have been working 24/7 to try and trace this offender and many lines of inquiry are being pursued.

“As well as the two potential witnesses referred to above, we would still like to speak to anyone who may help us locate the suspect and bring him to justice. No matter how small you may think your information, it could be vital to our investigation.”

The robber is described as about 6ft tall, between 40 to 50 years old, of slim build. He was wearing a dark shiny puffa jacket with the hood up.

On Monday night officers searched a property in Workington in connection with the incident.

An area of Moss Bay Road was cordoned off and armed officers were deployed as a precaution.

Police said there was no threat to members of the public.

During the robbery, the armed man struggled with a 78-year-old woman as he tried to rob the post office.

Staff were left terrified after being threatened by the man who made off with an undisclosed amount of money.

DI St Quintin said: “Although no-one was hurt, the three members of staff in the post office at the time were understandably left very upset by the incident.

"The suspect struggled with a 78-year-old lady who has worked in that post office for years."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are still appealing for people to come forward with information.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.