A POSTMISTRESS threw a cup of tea at a suspected armed robber when he demanded money from the till.

Sheila Mulgrew was struck in the face during the struggle with the would-be robber, who fled empty handed when another customer entered the post office.

The incident happened at Toft Hill Post Office, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on Saturday, at about 9.30am.

A male, wearing a motorcycle helmet and dark clothing, entered the post office brandishing an object wrapped in a bag that he said was a gun.

He demanded money from Ms Mulgrew, who was alone in the building.

The man jumped over a children's security gate and hit Ms Mulgrew in the face.

Ms Mulgrew's attacker ran from the building when a customer entered and escaped empty handed. He made his getaway in a silver vehicle.

Ms Mulgrew was treated for facial bruising and scratches at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

The post office was shut for the rest of the day as police carried out investigations.

Ms Mulgrew was too shaken to speak last night, but Roz Brown, postmistress at High Etherley, near Toft Hill, said: "I spoke to Sheila this morning and obviously she is very distressed.

"It is a horrible incident to happen to anybody.

"She threw a cup of tea at the man, but he hit her in the face. He only left when a customer came in.

"I am rarely on my own in the post office and I have dogs - it is a shame Sheila was alone when the man came in."

A resident from the village, who did not want to be named, said: "I think this is an absolute disgrace. This is a reasonably quiet village and it seems nowhere is safe these days.

"I feel very sorry for the postmistress, who was only doing her job. She must have been terrified.

"I'm very glad the man left with nothing."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Call 0845-60-60-365 if you have any information or were in the area at the time.