POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery at Merton Street Post Office in Stoneyholme, Burnley.

The incident happened around 9am yesterday as the postmaster Yunis Adam opened the shop.

As he walked in, he was followed by a man wearing a white mask who threatened him with a scythe and told him to fill a blue holdall with cash.

Mr Adam managed to run behind the post office counter and lock himself in before raising the alarm.

The offender, described as 5ft 6ins to 5ft 7ins, slim and possibly Asian, ran out of the shop and turned left on to Merton Street.

The scythe was later found discarded in a back alley in nearby Brougham Street.

Det Sgt Andy Gilbert, of Rawtenstall CID, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the offender to come forward and contact us."

Police can be reached on 01706 237442 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.