MASKED robbers struck a security guard over the head with a claw hammer during a raid on Belmont Post Office.

The guard was attacked as he was delivering cash to the post office.

Two men followed the Consignia guard into the premises in High Street at 12.30pm yesterday and forced him to hand over a security bag containing excise licences and stamps.

He was then dragged outside where the robbers struck him over the head after failing to persuade a second security guard inside a waiting delivery van to hand over cash.

The guard, who was wearing a helmet, managed to escape unhurt. The raiders then sped off with the bag in a waiting red-coloured BMW Coupe driven by a third man. The car, registration number L353 RDN, had been stolen from the Trafford Centre on January 30. It was next spotted a few hours later in New Chapel Lane, Horwich. Witnesses saw the men throw the security bag out onto the street. It was emitting red security dye.

Police say the dye would have heavily stained the clothing worn by the raiders. The car was recovered last night on Manchester Road West, Little Hulton. The security bag containing only stamps and documents was recovered and no cash was stolen. Dgt Sgt Ian Critchley, of Darwen CID, appealed for witnesses from Belmont, Horwich or Little Hulton who may have seen the incident, the robbers or the stolen car, to contact him.

He said: "It was a frightening experience for the security guard but fortunately he has not received serious injuries although he was very shaken up and stunned."

Both robbers are white and aged in their 20s. The first wore a light brown hooded top and dark trousers. His face was covered with a Balaclava. The second wore a black hooded top and dark trousers. His face was covered by a white scarf.

Witnesses are asked to contact Darwen Police on 01254 353844.