THE partner of a postmaster hit over the head in an attempted armed robbery has spoken of their 'nightmare' ordeal.

Margaret Filkins and Gordon Worth were closing up the Edenfield Post Office, in Market Street, when two armed men burst in on Thursday at 5.40pm.

As the men tried to force their way over the counter they hit Mr Worth over the head with a hammer leaving him lying on the floor with two cuts to his head.

He was taken to Fairfield Hospital in Bury for treatment and has now been allowed home to recover.

Miss Filkins, who managed to alert police, said: “The whole thing has been a nightmare. It was dreadful.

“Gordon has two very nasty gashes to his head but he is now at home recovering. The police arrived very quickly so we are both doing okay.

“We are going to try to reopen the shop on Monday all being well.”

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

A second man is being hunted by police. It is unclear whether anything was stolen.

The post office was cordoned off by police while forensic experts carried out an investigation.

Susan Sharples, who works at the Coach and Horses in Market Street, said: “Despite this, Edenfield is a nice place to live. Margaret and Gordon are very resilient and will come back fighting from this. The whole community are behind them.”

Edenfield ward councillor Darryl Smith said: “I’m not surprised Margaret and Gordon are planning to reopen as soon as Monday as they made of stern stuff. They have a lot more bottle than I have.

“When I heard the sirens and the helicopter I initially thought there had been an accident on the bypass.

"The police did really well attending so quickly. I’m just sorry Gordon got hurt.”

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

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