THIEVES staged a daylight raid in the centre of Worcester yesterday, making off with valuable post from a Royal Mail van.

The unattended van, parked outside Superdrug in the High Street, had its lock drilled by the gang between 10.20am and 10.37am yesterday. They then stole 17 items of special delivery post.

"Special delivery items are time-critical or could be valuable documents like passports," said Royal Mail spokeswoman Jane Beese.

She said it was not yet known what had been taken but senders would be notified. She added that security had been stepped up this morning.

Any witnesses should ring 08457 444 888 and quote 145S/071003.