WO masked raiders who forced their way into the rear of a sub-Post Office in Great Lever fled empty handed.

The men broke through a rear gate at Rishton Lane Post Office yesterday, and were confronted by the postmaster who opened the door when he heard the disturbance.

The pair barged in and pinned him against a wall, but ran off soon after empty handed.

Both are described as male, about 5ft 8in, of medium build, wearing navy blue balaclavas and gloves. Both had local accents, were aged about 20 and were wearing gloves. One was wearing a blue coat.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.