Shock as robbery hero is found dead

8:52am Sunday 7th September 2008

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THE DEATH of a former sub-postmaster has left the Melksham community in shock this week.

Robert Coulson, 54, was found dead at his Woodrow Road home by police who had been called following concern for his welfare.

Mr Coulson was well known in the area because he ran the former Woodrow Post Office, attached to his home, with his wife Carol several years ago.

Police confirmed the body of a middle-aged man had been found at an address in Woodrow Road on Monday.

A police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, but at this stage it is not thought to be suspicious."

It is understood police had to break into the property.

It is believed Mr Coulson and his wife Carol, who have a daughter called Nicola together, are separated.

The family did not want to comment on his death when contacted by the Wiltshire Times & Chippenham News.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "He was a quiet man but we all know him from when he ran the post office.

"Carol was the one that was on the counter so I spoke to her more often. Robert kept himself to himself. He was the sort of person who would only chat with you if you asked him a question. But he was very nice."

The sub-postmaster was hailed a hero in August 2002 when he was locked in a room with an armed robber for 10 minutes in a valiant bid to protect his wife and his daughter who was then 15.

A gunman burst into the post office at about 8am on a Monday morning through rear doors and Mr Coulson managed to stall him in the front room while his wife called police.

At the time he said his main concern had been protecting his family. He said then: "I physically refused to move from the door, then he became abusive and pulled out a gun which he turned on me."

However, the robber fled and scene of crime officers arrived within minutes.

Papers were being prepared this week by the coroner's office in relation to Mr Coulson's death.

Mr Coulson's funeral will take place at 1pm on Thursday, September 11, at West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington.

The service is for family flowers only, but anyone wishing to make a donation can do so to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal, care of Patrik Bewley at D J Bewley Funeral Directors in Melksham.