Robberies on Post Offices and security vans are not a new phenomenon as this story from December 1965 shows.
But one elderly couple who ran the Lower Broughton sub-post office were rewarded for their bravery when they, along with 61-year-old shop assistant Florrie Coid, stopped an attempted armed robbery.
They would receive the award from none other than Post Master General Anthony Wedgewood Benn – better known today as the inspiration and sadly deceased left-wing firebrand Tony Benn.
Mr Gordon Storey, 62, and his wife Bertha, 63, were working in the office in August 1965 when two young men entered the premises, one held the door open hilst the other threatened them with a gun – possibly an air-powered pistol – and demanded the cash from the safe.
Mr Storey bravely attempted to disarm the gunman but when he was within a yard of him the man started firing.
Mr Storey was hit in the stomach, left hand, right wrist and the head.
Despite blood pouring down his face which made it virtually impossible for him to see he continued to grapple with the armed robber in an effort to disarm him.
Meanwhile showing great presence of mind and bravery Mrs Coid managed to throw a large quantity of cash that had been lying on the counter to the back of the shop and out of reach of the would-be killer.
Angered by this deed, the gunman callously shot her in the head.
Mrs Storey, alerted by all the commotion, appeared from the rear of the Post Office, causing the two robbers to flee in a stolen van which was later found on Broughton Lane.
She quickly phoned for the police and an ambulance to attend to the two injured members of staff who lay on the floor bleeding.
Both were taken to Salford Royal hospital for treatment to their injuries caused by the crazed gunman.
Mrs Coid was found to be suffering from scalp injuries and shock and was kept in for observation overnight.
Mr Storey was more seriously hurt.
He was found to be suffering from a fractured skull sustained in the struggle, whilst an operation was carried out to remove a .22 slug that was lodged in his skull.
Luckily all three were to recover from their injuries.
The brave staff were rewarded at a ceremony at the GPO Headquarters in London in December 1965.
Mr Storey was presented with a wallet and 30 guineas, Mrs Storey was given a notecase and five guineas whilst Mrs Coid received a notecase and 15 guineas.
