Police called to post office after second disgraceful incident of customer violence in seven days in town in Milton Keynes

Newport Pagnell Post Office is struggling with coronavirus-linked staff shortages, but has managed to open for a few hours every day to serve the people of the town.

It is busier than usual due to more people sending parcels during lockdown, and queues are often out of the door because of social distancing rules.

On Thursday last week the police were called after a male customer became irate and kicked a female member of staff.

An arrest was made and the incident was so serious that the post office was forced to close early.

This morning there was another episode of violence and police had to be called again. It is understood a person has been arrested,

Staff posted on the Newport Pagnell Post Office Facebook page: "We have had to call the police again this morning to help with an incident."

They said the incident involved "angry words, angry people, a fight and abuse."

They added: "Please, please. please stay calm people. To be honest we are starting to feel a bit scared."

The news prompted dozens of comments on social media from horrified townspeople praising the post office and its "lovely and helpful" staff.

"People need to get a grip. We are very lucky the post office is still open. Their staff shouldn’t have to put up with this sort of behaviour from a minority of idiots," posted one.

Another said: "This is Newport Pagnell, not some big city. The post office in our town is a vital service that a great number of people rely on. Big thanks to the staff that work there - please don't be put off by the idiots who have no respect."

A third wrote: " I do hope you are all okay. It was disturbing to hear about the first incident but a second is just unbelievable. what is wrong with people we're all in the same boat for goodness sake

In true Newport Pagnell style, a bouquet of flowers and selection of Easter Eggs was dropped off this lunchtime to cheer up the post office team.

It came form the Newport Pagnell Covid-19 Response Group, a team of volunteers who have leafteted every house in Newport Pagnell offering to fetch medication and shopping for the housebound.

A Post Office spokesman said: "Thank you so much to the fantastic Covid-19 response team (Jenny) who dropped off flowers and Easter eggs for us following the unpleasantness this morning. You have made us feel so much better and loved. Thank you so so much. Happy Easter everyone!"