ARMED robbers threatened a sub-postmaster before crashing into vehicles and causing traffic mayhem as they escaped with cash in a getaway car.

Two masked men, one with a handgun, walked into Shawforth Post Office, on the A671 Market Street, at 2.40pm yesterday.

They threatened sub-postmaster John Bramhall, who was on his own, and smashed the glass security partition before escaping with a small amount of cash.

They were seen running towards a light blue Ford Escort, possibly Y-registered, driven by a third man.

The car sped off along Market Street towards Rochdale and was in collision with another car which had stopped at temporary traffic lights 250 yards down the road.

The Escort then drove through a red light and crashed into another car before speeding off. The driver of the second car was slightly injured. The Escort, which is believed to have been stolen, had part of its number plate masked with tape.

The road was blocked while police forensic officers searched for clues.

Detectives described the trio, who were all wearing balaclavas, as reckless and dangerous.

Detective Inspector Ron Griffiths said: "They clearly acted without the slightest regard for the safety of the public."

No shots were fired and Mr Bramhall was not injured, although he was too shaken to talk about his ordeal.

Mr Griffiths added: "It is a busy main road between Bacup and Whitworth and I would appeal to any witnesses who may have seen this incident take place or seen anything suspicious to contact the police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

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