A BUNGLING gang tried to rob a Post Office but made so much noise that staff had escaped by the time they burst in.

As the gang kicked their way through the back door of Kearsley Post Office in Manchester Road, staff ran out through the front door.

They watched from the opposite side of the main road as the gang ran in - and then back out, empty handed.

The post officer workers were cashing up shortly before 5.30pm on Thursday when they heard a loud noise coming from the rear of the premises.

Realising that someone was trying to kick the back door down, they grabbed the money and ran outside to raise the alarm.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740.