ARMED robbers threatened a 22-month-old child with a machete during a sub-post office raid.

One of the two men who burst into the shop in Ludworth, near Durham, held the 2ft-long blade above the head of sub-postmaster Peter Foster's grand-daughter Hannah.

Terrified customers were ordered to the floor as the other raider smashed a large axe against the internal security screen.

Mr Foster was so angry he chased after the pair as they ran out with hundreds of pounds in cash _ and then tried to drive after their getaway car.

The robbers escaped, leaving the eight people in the shop shaken but unhurt.

"They were telling everyone to get down on the floor. The one with the axe demanded money,'' said Mr Foster, 42.

"He started banging his axe off the window. The one with the machete threatened my sister-in-law who had my grandchild.

"When he put it right above my grand-daughter's head that's when I blew and ran out to get them.''

Mr Foster managed to press the alarm button and his wife Jacqueline threw some cash at the raiders.

They fled up the street to a waiting black BMW which sped off towards neighbouring Shadforth.

"The driver panicked because when he saw me he started to edge off. If I had been quicker I could have caught the one wearing a crash helmet.''

Mr Foster drove around the area for fifteen minutes but found nothing.

"If I had found them I would have got out and had a go at them because they were threatening my family. I wasn't thinking about myself.''

Police are appealing for witnesses to the raid at 4.15pm on Monday.

The machete raider wore a ski mask and the axe-wielder had a white crash helmet.

Both are thought to be in their 20s, slim, about 5ft 6ins, were wearing light clothing. They spoke with local accents. Detectives interested in any sightings of the F or G-reg BMW.

Witnesses should call 0191-386 4222 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.