A POSTMASTER has been hit over the head with a hammer in an attempted robbery this afternoon.

Tonight the man was being treated in hospital after the attack at Edenfield Post Office, Market Street.

He was not said to be seriously injured.

Police said the postmaster was just closing up for day when two men burst in at 5.40pm.

They tried to force their way over the counter, and hit the postmaster over the head with a lump hammer or mallet, police said.

He was left lying injured on the floor and his wife, who was in a back room, managed to alert the police.

The postmaster is being treated in Fairfield Hospital in Bury, but his condition is not thought to be serious.

A 25-year-old man from Manchester was arrested at the scene on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

A second man is being hunted by officers.

It is unclear whether anything was stolen.

The post office was cordoned off by police while officers completed forensic inquiries.

Detective Inspector Steve Hobson said: “Both the postmaster and his wife have been left very shaken and we urge anyone with information to come forward.”

No descriptions have been provided.

Call police on 0845 125 3545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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