DETECTIVES are appealing for information following an attempted armed robbery at a post office.

Two men wearing balaclavas and armed with a sledgehammer entered the shop in Whittaker Lane, Prestwich, at 9.30am on Friday (Aug 23).

The men tried to smash the security screen but when it failed to break, fled-empty handed to a waiting car driven by a third masked man.

The car, a white Ford Mustang which had been stolen from the Prestwich area on Wednesday, was found abandoned in Green Walks, Prestwich, a short time later.

Police believe that the men switched to a second car, a maroon Toyota, which was later found abandoned in Hambridge Close, Cheetham Hill.

Post Office staff were left shocked but unhurt by the incident.

Witnesses should contact Whitefield CID on 856 8240 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.