A gang of five armed robbers has been jailed for more than 60 years for holding up a Croydon post office.

On May 26 the men stormed the Post Office in High Street at opening time, stopping customers leaving while two leapt over the counter and stuffed wads of British and foreign cash into a rucksack.

Dec 1: Armed robbers who PISTOL-WHIPPED two women during May Croydon Post Office robbery are convicted at the Old Bailey

One of the men, Gary Katabarwa, pistol-whipped two female members of staff around the head during the robbery.

Armed officers managed to catch the robbers as they tried to flee with the cash, although not without an unmarked police car hitting a market stall in nearby Surrey Street, causing minor injuries to a man in his 60s.

May 26: Police car ploughs into Surrey Street market after armed robbery at Croydon post office sparks police chase and five arrests

Your Local Guardian:

Flying squad and firearms officers immediately arrested Katabarwa as he tried to leave the Post Office.

Another robber, Shane Perry, dropped the cash-stuffed rucksack on the street and tried to run off, but was caught along with Dwayne Ramsey after a short chase.

The gang's driver, Reece Perry, was arrested next to his Ford Puma in nearby Scarbrook Road as he waited for his accomplices to return.

The fifth member of the gang, Herbert Kulsumu, was picked up two hours later hiding in his BMW on Scarbrook Road.

Your Local Guardian:

Both Post Office staff members were taken to hospital with non-life threatening head injuries.

During the operation to apprehend the gang, No shots were fired by police or suspects.

At the Old Bailey yesterday, the gang of five were given combined sentences of more than 60 years.

Katabarwa, 27, of Kingston Square, Salters Hill, Lambeth was jailed for 22 years after previously being found guilty of, robbery firearm possession, malicious wounding, actual bodily harm, and illegal possession of ammunition. Perry, 23, of Friars Mews, West Norwood was jailed for 15 years after pleading guilty to firearms offences conspiracy to commit robbery and .

Shane Perry, 33, of Poulett House, Tulse Hill, and Dwayne Ramsey, 34, of no fixed address, were both jailed for life, to serve a minimum of eight and a half years, after being found guilty of firearms offences and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Herbert Kulsumu, 35, of no fixed address, was jailed for seven years after pleading guilty to robbery.

Detective Constable Adam Barsby said: "This criminal gang terrorised staff and customers, brandishing a loaded firearm and pistol whipping cashiers.

"The recovery of two loaded guns and ammunition, coupled with these significant sentences, means London's streets are a safer place today".