ARMED robbers escaped with thousands of pounds in a raid on a Dipton post office, near Stanley, on Tuesday.

The two robbers, one brandishing a firearm, burst into the shop shortly before 11am. They got into the post office's secure area and helped themselves to cash.

No shots were fired and no-one was hurt. Two women staff members and an elderly couple, who were in collecting their pensions, were shaken by the incident. The raiders, wearing balaclava masks and navy blue tops and trousers, fled in a dark blue, L-reg Ford Mondeo.

The car had been stolen from the car park of the High Crown pub in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, between noon and 5pm on Monday. It was found abandoned half-a-mile from Dipton near the Grey Horse pub at Flint Hill.

Det Sgt Vic Deanes said a silver Peugeot 206 was seen in the area travelling towards Sunniside, Gateshead, shortly after the raid. He urged the occupants to come forward so they could be eliminated from police's inquiries.

Anyone with information about the men or the Mondeo or the Peugeot is asked to call Consett police on (01207) 232114 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Last Thursday three raiders escaped with £40,000 from the post office at Cheveley Park, Belmont, on the outskirts of Durham City.