By Paola Alvino

POST office work fled from masked raiders and barricaded herself in an adjoining house during a bungled robbery attempt.

Shop assistant Karen Culff was behind the counter of the post office shop when two robbers burst in with sledgehammers.

She screamed and dashed through the door to the owner's adjoining home as the intruders smashed their way through the post office counter's security shield.

David Lloyd, 25, who owns the business along with his father, Jack, of Culcheth, ran for the keys and locked the door.

Jack shouted that the safe was locked and the police were on their way. Then they watched through the security window as the robbers gave up and fled.

"I felt like going in with a pickaxe handle but it was just a passing thought - I am not that stupid!" said David.

"It was all over in five minutes. We didn't feel particularly threatened because we knew they couldn't get anything and we were safe in the house.

"Karen has suffered a few sleepless nights since, but she told us she had been expecting something after a spate of similar post office raids in the area."

It is thought there were four members in the gang, one who stood outside with a baseball bat and another who waited in a dark coloured K-reigstered Rover which was used as a getaway vehicle.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Contact Leigh CID on 0161 872 5050 or the freephone Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.