ARMED robbers escaped with more than £40,000 after threatening a sub-postmaster and his staff.

Three men in ski masks burst into the post office at Cheveley Park, Belmont, Durham City, at 11.15am yesterday, shortly after a delivery of money.

The raiders, armed with two handguns and two baseball bats, threatened to shoot the sub-postmaster and two of his staff if they did not co-operate.

The gang stole the money, in £5, £10 and £20 notes, from the safe and fled.

No one was injured and no shots were fired but an elderly woman with a heart condition - one of eight customers in the shop at the time - needed hospital treatment for shock.

The men made off in a silver or light blue Audi A3 driven by a fourth man.

The car, which headed left into Brackendale Road and disappeared into a housing estate, is believed to have false plates, NA03CZA.

The baseball bats were found by police later, but the car has yet to be recovered.

Detective Sergeant John Foreman, of Durham CID, said: "This was a well planned and well executed raid by dangerous men who appeared to be prepared to use their weapons on anyone who tried to stand in their way.''

He said the men may have been in the area in the hours and days before the raid.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-386 4222 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.