MASKED raiders armed with a knife and a monkey wrench knocked a security guard unconscious during a robbery at a Bolton Post Office.

Two men followed the guard into Plodder Lane Post Office in Plodder Lane, Farnworth, at 9am yesterday. He was repeatedly struck with the wrench as the raiders demanded money from the post master.

Police say they continued to strike the guard until cash was handed over and left the shop.

Meanwhile, the security van driver became aware of the robbery and attempted to ram a BMW waiting outside.

A third raider reversed the BMW along Plodder Lane and the two men climbed in. It sped off down Daisy Avenue.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Bolton Evening News, a passing motorist who spotted the drama dialled 999.

The car, which had been stolen from Greenmount, Bury, on Thursday, was found dumped in nearby Campbell Street.

The knifeman was white, 5ft 11ins tall, slim, wearing a dark coloured bomber jacket and dark trousers.

He used a hood to cover his head.

The man with the monkey wrench was also white, 5ft 10ins tall, slim, wearing a cream coloured bomber jacket and a balaclava.

Anyone with information should call Farnworth CID on 0161 856 5833 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.