MASKED robbers escaped with only a handful of cash after raiding a village post office shortly after a money delivery had been made.

The robbers, wearing masks and dark clothing, and wielding baseball bats, burst into the post office at Bearpark, near Durham City, at lunchtime yesterday.

They smashed a glass security screen by hurling a drain cover through it, then jumped over the counter.

But, after rifling through bags and other property, they left with only a small amount of cash because the newly delivered money was locked in the safe.

The middle-aged postmaster, who threw himself to the floor when the raiders struck, was shocked but unhurt. His wife was at the back of the building.

The raiders fled in a stolen black Nissan SX which they reversed down Auton Stile - forcing cars to swerve - before turning into Field View Terrace and on to a track to Ushaw Moor.

There they set fire to the car, which was stolen from Trimdon Station in April.

Detective Inspector Andy Reddick said he believed the raiders had been waiting for the cash delivery before striking at about 12.20pm.

He urged anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the village to contact the police.

He also said that he wanted information on where the three-door car, registration number J395 FJX, had been since it was stolen.

Anyone with information should call Durham City Police on 0191-386 4222, or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.

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