POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man brandishing a long-barrelled gun robbed a Stourport post office.

The white gunman, aged between 20 and 30 years old, burst into Areley Kings Post Office in Areley Common at 2.45pm on July 31 and ordered the female cashier to hand over cash.

No-one was injured during the robbery and the raider left on foot in the direction of Astley, having stolen an undisclosed amount of cash.

He was 5ft 6ins with dark hair and was wearing blue jeans, a cream sweatshirt with black sleeves, trainers and dark glasses, possibly sunglasses.

Police officers and dog handlers carried out an extensive search of the surrounding area.

Kidderminster police spokeswoman Julie Wedgbury said they did not know what type of gun was used because the cashier was "very shaken up".

"The informant went on to say she had never seen a gun up close before," she said.

Meanwhile, another appeal has gone out after a Stourport petrol station was robbed.

The Total petrol station on the Worcester Road was robbed at about 1am on Sunday after a male cashier opened the shop's door when a man who appeared to be in distress approached the service station.

The offenders, described as three white men wearing dark clothing, pushed the cashier back into the shop before knocking him to the floor and hitting him a number of times.

They then stole an undisclosed quantity of cash and cigarettes and escaped towards Baldwin Road.

The 42-year-old man was taken to Kidderminster hospital where he was treated and discharged.

Anyone with information about either incident should contact Kidderminster Police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.