THIEVES armed with handguns smashed their way into a post office counter before fleeing with cash.

The terrifying raid took place at Barnt Green Post Office, Hewell Road, last Friday at about 11.15am.

Two men entered the newsagents, which has a post office counter inside, smashed the glass of the counter and grabbed cash.

They got into a silver coloured Audi A4 sports car, registration N13 ATE, and headed off towards Birmingham.

There was a man and woman working in the shop at the time but no customers.

Although not physically injured the workers were very shaken by the ordeal.

Detective Inspector Paul Williamson said: "We are at a very early stage in this investigation and have carried out a forensic examination of the post office. We have also been liaising with CCTV at Bromsgrove and will be viewing any footage they may have."

A second armed robbery, involving the same car, occurred at a post office in The Green, Kings Norton, at around 11.30am on the same day.

"We have put extra officers on patrol on the border between North Worcestershire and West Midlands and we will also be increasing the number of patrols close to the local post offices," said Det Insp Williamson.

"These offenders are clearly dangerous. We need to get information about them before someone gets hurt," he added.

The two incidents come after Wythall post office was targeted on February 4 and just over a week after armed raiders targeted Cofton Hackett Post Office, in Parsonage Drive.

Police have said they are looking into the possibility that all four incidents are linked.

Anyone with information should call Bromsgrove CID on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

christopher.flavell@midlands.

newsquest.co.uk