FIVE people arrested following a spate of armed robberies on post offices in County Durham appeared in court this morning amidst tight security.

Police cordoned off Peterlee Magistrates's Court where three men and a 17-year-old youth appeared on charges of conspiracy to commit robberies.

A 61-year-old woman and two of the robbery suspects also faced further charges of drug production.

Malcolm Robert Robson, 37, of Sophia, Seaham, and Robert Kirk Pittard, 40, of Sunnyside, Princes Park, Liverpool, were both accused of conspiracy to commit robberies between December 1 last and April 7 and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice between August 12 last year and January 18.

They were further charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis between June 30 last year and April 7.

James Darren Murray, 39, of Kirkstone, Avenue, Jarrow, was charged with conspiracy to commit robberies between July 1 last year and April 8 and conspiracy to produce cannabis between June 30 last year and April 8.

Sylvia Bleasdale of Sophia, Seaham, was accused of conspiracy to produce cannabis between June 30 last year and April 8.

The 17-year-old male, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was alleged to have conspired to commit robberies between July 1 last year and April 7.

It is alleged that two masked men, one armed with a shotgun, raided the post office in Wingate on December 8. The suspects fled with £2,000.

On December 23, two masked man, again one armed with a shotgun fled empty handed from Trimdon Station post office after allegedly holding up the manageress. She had refused to open the safe.

During a third raid in Elwick Village, Hartlepool, on January 26, two masked men threatened the postmaster and stole £2,000 and foreign currency.

No application was made for bail for the three men who were in custody, while unconditional bail was extended for Ms Bleasdale and the youth.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case was adjourned for a hearing at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday April 22.