A close friend of postwoman Julie Roberts told today how the Royal Mail worker was “absolutely devastated” at being suspended from the job she loves.

Julie clung to the bonnet of her work van for nearly a mile as it was driven off by an opportunist thief in Trysull, only to be suspended for leaving her keys in the ignition.

Today, a friend said not being allowed to work had added to the 51-year-old’s trauma.

“She has been doing that round for 10 years and has basically been told she will lose her job,” said the friend.

“She loves her job and she’s absolutely devastated at being suspended.”

Julie, of Bull Lane, Wombourne, today declined to comment but her friend said she had left the keys in the ignition of the van for a matter of seconds.

“She had done a delivery and when she got back in the van, she realised she had dropped her pen,” said the friend.

“She got out to pick it up — it was literally a few metres away. When she turned around she saw a man in the driving seat.”

Supporters have distributed letters throughout Trysull, Seisdon and Claverley urging residents to write to Royal Mail.

The letter states: “Julie has worked for Royal Mail for 20 years and has always provided a friendly, reliable and helpful service.”

Andrew Tildesley, owner of The Plough Inn, on School Road, said today: “Julie risked her life for her job and I think it is wrong she has been suspended.”

Rev Jeanette Hartwell, from Trysull’s All Saints Church, said: “I understand that procedures have to be followed by Royal Mail, but I sense from a lot of people in the village that they want her to be re-instated.”

The thief is believed to be aged in his 20s. He fled in a silver Vauxhall Corsa containing the numbers 0 and 3 in the registration.

Royal Mail is investigating the theft, which happened at around 10am on April 13, but said it could not comment on individual cases. Any witnesses to the theft should call 0300 123 4455.