A POSTMISTRESS at Frodsham’s Main Street Post Office is recovering from a terrifying ordeal at the hands of armed robbers after raiders wielding a hand gun escaped with £20,000.

Debbie Waraich, who runs the busy site with her husband Pinder and son Ravinder, was preparing to open up at about 8.20am on Monday when she was approached by two men, one carrying a handgun.

Concealing their faces with balaclavas, the men demanded entry to the premises and ordered Mrs Waraich to open the post office safe, threatening the postmistress with the gun.

Cheshire Police confirmed Mrs Waraich, a local woman in her fifties, was subjected to “verbal threats” by both men, who stole “a five-figure sum of cash”.

DC Gary Morris added that although Mrs Waraich was unhurt, she was left badly shaken and the robbers had made off with £20,000 in notes.

The Waraich family have run the site for just 12 months after owning Langdale Way convenience store Top Shop.

“Police are exploring the possibility that the men have fled the scene in a gold saloon-type car, similar to a Mercedes or BMW, that was seen parked on Main Street on the opposite side to the post office,” he said.

Frodsham inspector Phil Hodgson added: “This incident is being investigated thoroughly by the CID and my local officers are out in the area reassuring residents and businesses that we are doing all we can to find those responsible for this crime, which has left the victim in severe state of shock.

“Violent crime involving firearms is uncommon in our community, and we appeal to anyone who might have seen anyone behaving suspiciously in the area of Main Street around this time to come forward with any information that may assist this investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact DC Gary Morris on 0845 458 0000, or information can be left anonymously with Crime Stoppers on 0800 551 111.