A MANHUNT has been launched after a postmaster was attacked with a crowbar during a failed robbery.

The violent assault happened at Little Harwood Post Office, in Whalley Old Road, Blackburn, and left the victim in hospital.

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As he was closing up the shop at around 5.30pm on Wednesday, the 35-year-old man was hit on the head as he went to confront the two robbers.

He needed hospital treatment for his injuries.

Police said the robbers, who were wearing high-visibility jackets, dark trousers and dark shoes, left empty-handed.

Officers were last night yet to make any arrests and patrols were stepped up in the area.

Following the attack the men, who had their faces covered, are said to have run into Bay Street and then Pine Street.

It is understood they ran off after a Post Office staff member managed to sound a panic alarm.

Police said a stolen Vauxhall Astra used in the incident was found abandoned nearby at the junction of Bay Street and Railway Grove.

The vehicle had false number plates and the robbers are said to have attempted to set it on fire.

One eyewitness said: “There was a lot of traffic on the road. Initially I didn’t notice anything unusual going on.

“The next moment I heard the Post Office alarm going off.

“I saw a couple of guys running off. I saw the postmaster coming out as well.

“Police were just patrolling the area after that.

“It’s a real shame. About six-months-ago the cash machine got robbed. That’s why they have shutters up now.”

A businesswoman said: “It is very sad. It shouldn’t happen to anybody. It’s shocking because it is normally very quiet around here.

“I saw police cars and an ambulance outside the Post Office.

“I didn’t know what was going on and it was my husband who told me about the robbery.

“They have been there about five or six years and they are very friendly. Everybody likes them. It does make you worry because if it happened to them it could happen to anybody.”

Det Sgt Mark Hutchinson said: “This was a frightening attack which left the victim extremely shaken.

“These men were clearly prepared to use significant levels of violence against a man who was just trying to carry on his daily business and it is fortunate he was not more seriously injured.

“I would appeal for anyone with information to contact us, in particular anyone who may have seen a Vauxhall Astra or a VW Golf, or any individuals, acting suspiciously in the area in the days before this robbery.”

Police said he VW Golf was seen in the area in the last few days.

The Post Office was closed yesterday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log number 1071 of February 1.