Neighbours name man shot dead in Bromsgrove armed robbery
NEIGHBOURS have today claimed the man who was shot dead during an armed robbery by masked gunmen was the postmaster's son.
Neighbours said Craig Hodson-Walker suffered fatal chest injuries in the attack at a family-run business in Fairfield, north Worcestershire.
They also claimed his father Ken was shot in the leg as raiders armed with a handgun and a sledgehammer targeted Fairfield Post Office and Stores.
Police have not yet confirmed the names of those injured in the raid.
Witnesses told police that three men wearing balaclavas raced away from the Stourbridge Road store in a silver VW Golf at about 8.20am.
Residents said a car was seen loitering near the store, which is opposite a primary school, shortly before the robbery.
Police launched a massive manhunt for the men, bringing in specialist search teams, dog handlers and a helicopter.
Villager Eddie Bretherton, 76, said the postmaster's wife Judy ran to a neighbouring house after the shooting.
Retired engineer Mr Bretherton, who lives a few doors down, said: "They live over the shop. We understand Ken has been shot in the leg and Craig has died."
He said the family came from south Wales and Craig was engaged to be married.
"They are very nice people. We exchanged pleasantries in the ordinary way. We saw them in the pub when they were there for a meal.
"One of the reasons we moved here was the post office. We go in regularly."
The couple were thought to have a second son, James, a married father who works as a plumber.
Officers discovered the silver VW Golf getaway car a short distance from the post office in Bourneheath Road.
Residents in the small village, which is close to the M5 and M42 motorways, said they were shocked at news of the robbery.
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