A RELIEF postmistress was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when masked robbers carrying sledgehammers burst into her post office.

She watched in horror as the two men used the hammers to smash glass around the counter before making off with thousands of pounds in cash.

It emerged today that just a few minutes before the attack, a Royal Mail van had made its weekly delivery of cash to the Hill Top Post Office, in York Road, Tadcaster, so it could pay out pensions and social security benefits.

Police believe the robbers had been observing the post office for several weeks before the raid at midday yesterday.

The men, who were wearing balaclavas, sped off towards York in a grey Saab 900 driven by a third accomplice. The car is believed to have been stolen a few days ago from the Harrogate area.

Detective Sergeant Dave Pegg, who is leading the hunt for the robbers, said today the three men later switched cars on a slip road outside Lawtons Garage in Tadcaster.

He said: "They abandoned the Saab and possibly joined a fourth man before making their escape in a dark blue or purple Volvo, which we believe was carrying false registration plates.

"They were last seen heading along the A64 towards York."

Six CID officers from Selby are working on the case, and are liaising with detectives in West Yorkshire.

The relief sub-postmistress, who has not been identified, suffered a cut to her left thumb in what police described as a vicious and unsophisticated attack.

"The woman was terrified and extremely shocked," said Det Sgt Pegg.

The postmistress, who was at the back of the post office when the robbers burst in, fled out of the back door to a newsagent's shop next door, where owner Nick Thompson raised the alarm.

Mr Thompson said: "I was in the shop when I heard a loud bang. Then a man who lives across the road came flying into the shop, saying there had been a raid next door.

"I called the police and then the lady from the post office came running through the back door. She was crying and shaking, and was very distraught.

"She had blood on the back of her hand and could hardly speak. I gave her a cup of tea and tried to calm her down."

Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt Pegg or Detective Constable John Brook at Selby police station on 01757 702596.

by Dennis Towle and Matthew Woodcock