TWO masked robbers who attacked a post office worker are being hunted by police in Gateshead.

The men, armed with an iron bar and a large spanner, forced their way into a secure area at Rowlands Gill Post Office and attacked the 56-year-old member of staff.

During the struggle, one of the thieves lost his balaclava.

On Monday, police released a description of the man, who is white, 5ft 8in, of medium build, and around 20 years old. He had short, fair to ginger-coloured hair.

He and his accomplice escaped in a white Vauxhall Cavalier, which it is thought was displaying false registration plates.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at 3.10pm last Tuesday, should call Gateshead West CID on 0191-454 7555