A MAN walked into a post office and demanded money from the shop assistant.

The incident happened at around 10.20am on Monday when the man, who was white, in his 40s and wearing a black jacket, entered the shop in Gregson Lane, Hoghton, carrying a blue canvas bag.

He held the bag towards the female staff member as if it contained a weapon. The worker raised the alarm and the man left empty-handed on foot.

It is understood he walked across the field at the rear of the post office, before making his way down a ginnel leading on to Squires Close.

Det Sgt Ian Derbyshire said: “We can’t be certain one way or another whether or not the man was armed at this stage. However, he was certainly intent on causing fear and it is fortunate that no-one was hurt and that he left empty-handed.

“Although uninjured, the female was left shaken.”

Anybody with any information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.