Police have confirmed a masked armed robber made off with thousands of pounds from the safe of Frodsham Post Office.

The balaclava-clad raider struck shortly after 8am today (Tuesday, June 1) as the postmaster was opening the rear entrance at the Main Street store.

The postmaster was confronted by a man believed to have been armed with a handgun who threatened him and demanded he open the safe.

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The offender went on to take ‘a large quantity of cash’ before leaving the store via the rear entrance. The post office was closed at the time of the incident and there are no reports of any injuries although the postmaster was understandably shaken.

Police are investigating whether the man left the scene in a getaway car or on foot. The force helicopter was scrambled to assist in the search.

Detective Constable Steve Owens, of Cheshire Police , said: “We take any incidents of this nature extremely seriously and are doing all we can to trace the offender. It has not been established whether the gun was real or imitation. The weapon was not discharged, but the postmaster was understandably left very upset.

Police are investigating an armed raid on Frodsham Post Office.

“An investigation has been launched and a number of enquiries are currently being carried out in the local area in a bid to trace those responsible. I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time and has seen anyone acting suspiciously or who may have seen the offender fleeing the scene to come forward.”

The offender is described as a man, over 6ft tall, of average build, with a deep voice. At the time of the incident he was wearing a full facial balaclava, with black clothing and dark gloves.

Back in 2010, the postmistress at the same post office suffered a terrifying ordeal at the hands of robbers wielding a hand gun who escaped with £20,000.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Post Office can confirm there was a robbery at Frodsham Post Office today. The people who run our post office branches provide important services to local communities.

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"Any robbery or attempted robbery is very traumatic for the victims and we will be supporting the police in their efforts to apprehend those responsible. Post Office would urge anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111”.

Officers, including armed patrols, remain in the area at time of going to press and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 167, of 1/6/16. Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.