AN ARMED robber was at large in York this afternoon after robbing a postmistress at gunpoint in the city.

A nearby shopkeeper who tried to stop the robber was also menaced with the gun as he tried to force the getaway car door open.

The gunman, thought to be a teenager, escaped with a large amount of cash from the Post Box in Albemarle Road, South Bank, after threatening the postmistress with what appeared to be a small handgun.

Sergeant Colin Ventress at York police station said the robber then fled the scene in a black Ford Escort later found abandoned in Love Lane, off The Mount.

Police today advised people not to approach the gunman because he could be dangerous.

Baker Fred Thomas told the Evening Press he heard alarm bells going off and saw a youth coming out of the post office wearing a hood and carrying a bag.

"I went into the road to open the car door," he said. "We were to-ing and fro-ing because it was not locked. He pulled a gun out and pointed it at me. As soon as I saw that I went to the back of the car."

He said a motorist tried to block the car's getaway but was forced to reverse after seeing the raider's gun. Mr Thomas then went to the post office to find counter staff shaken but unhurt.

The Post Office was closed after the incident and this afternoon local people were trying the front door.

Elderly people were bemused at the temporary closed sign as they turned up to collect their pension money only to find the shop shut.

The robber is described as white, in his mid to late teens, 5ft 6ins tall, with a thin build and spotty face.

No one was injured in the incident, but Sgt Ventress said the postmistress was in shock.

The Post Office retail network manager at the shop to investigate the incident confirmed that two women were present and said no-one was injured.

Police asked anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them on 01904 631321.