A POSTMAN has resigned after a raid on his St Helens home this week uncovered a significant amount of undelivered mail.

It is believed that much of the mail was destined for Rainford.

The withheld mail will be delivered to customers as soon as possible and customers who have been affected will receive covering letters.

It is believed that investigators are considering beginning criminal proceedings.

Royal Mail spokesperson Val Bodden said: “Royal Mail can confirm that an employee from St Helens has resigned following an investigation into the intentional delay of mail.

“The recovered mail will be delivered to customers as soon as possible, with a covering letter explaining the delay and telling them who to contact should they require further information.

"We apologise to any customer whose mail has been affected by this incident.

"Royal Mail has a zero tolerance approach to any dishonesty and that stance is shared by the overwhelming majority of postmen and women, who are honest and hardworking and who do all they can to protect the mail and deliver it safely. 

"It is a criminal offence to tamper with or delay the delivery of mail and anyone caught doing so will face serious disciplinary measures and Royal Mail will always seek to prosecute the tiny minority of people who abuse their position of trust.

"The safety and security of mail is of the utmost importance to this business and Royal Mail will not allow the actions of any individual to damage the good reputation of our thousands of hard-working postmen and women."