MASKED raiders armed with a sledgehammer stole cash from a Stourport post office.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident which took place at Londis, on Areley Common, Areley Kings at around 12.20pm yesterday (Saturday, August 5) afternoon.

Two men wearing balaclavas entered the store and stole a quantity of cash from the post office.

Local officers patrolling the area were at the scene within a minute of police being called and recovered a sledgehammer.

Offenders fled in a dark car and no-one at the scene was injured during the incident. Officers have urged witnesses to come forward.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: “Yesterday afternoon at approximately 12.20pm two men wearing balaclavas entered the Londis on Areley Kings and proceeded to steal cash from the Post Office.

“Local officers, who were patrolling in the area, were at the scene within a minute of the incident being called.

“A sledgehammer has since been recovered by investigating officers, which is thought to have been used in the crime.

“The post office was open at the time of the offence with a number of customers inside and thankfully no one was injured.

“The offenders are believed to have left the area in a dark coloured saloon.

“Anyone who was in the area yesterday lunchtime that saw or heard anything suspicious, that hasn't yet spoken to officers, is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident number 333s of August 5.”

People can also call Crimstoppers on 0800 555 111.