A POST office manager was left shaken after two masked raiders armed with a shotgun burst in and demanded cash.

The raid happened at Elwick Village Shop and Post Office at around 5.15pm on Monday.

The 28-year-old manager, who was alone in the shop at the time, handed over cash after one of the men held the gun to his head. He was not injured.

The men left in a silver Fiat Punto through the village, colliding with several parked cars as they left, causing minor damage.

Officers say they travelled onto the A19 and a short time later a car matching that description was found burnt out on Coal Lane, also known as Trimdon Back Road, Hartlepool.

Detective Inspector Matt Walsh of Hartlepool CID said: "We are concerned about the level of threat used towards the postmaster, but to his credit he remained calm throughout.

"I am sure that this ensured he was not physically hurt during his ordeal although he has been left deeply shaken."