AN ALLEGED would-be robber charged with trying to hold up a Greenock post office with an imitation handgun can today be named.

Allan McIntosh has appeared in court accused of trying to raid the Kinniburgh Newsagents and Post Office on Brisbane Street on Monday morning.

Prosecutors say he presented a fake gun to a man and woman working there and repeatedly demanded money.

The Telegraph told how police swooped on the shop after a 999 emergency alarm was activated by one of the staff.

McIntosh, 25, of Muirdykes Avenue in Port Glasgow, is further accused of possessing an imitation gun 'with intent to cause both to believe that unlawful violence would be used against them'.

A third charge alleges that he had a fake gun 'without lawful authority or reasonable excuse'.

Police were called to the shop shortly before 10am on Monday.

A suspect was pursued and a 25-year-old man was arrested nearby.

Neither staff member was hurt in the incident but the shop was immediately closed to allow for police to carry out their investigation.

McIntosh made no plea through lawyer Gerry Keenan during a petition court appearance in private.

He also appeared on a summary matter accused of stealing a candlestick from a church.

Sheriff Michael Higgins continued the alleged attempted robbery case for further examination and remanded McIntosh in custody.

He is due back in court on that matter next week.

The alleged candlestick theft case is due to call again next April.