A GANG of armed robbers have struck at a Farnworth post office.

Three men, carrying a hammer, axe and bat, burst into the post office in Plodder Lane at about 5pm today.

The trio, who were wearing masks, demanded money and smashed a glass partition during the raid.

But they were forced to flee empty-handed in a black Mercedes car.

Nobody was physically hurt, although a police spokesman said staff were left "stressed and traumatised" by the incident. Police were called but the robbers had made their escape by the time they arrived.

A hunt is on for the trio, although no arrests have been made yet.

The spokesman added: "We were called to reports of an armed robbery at 5pm.

"Three men carrying weapons had demanded money, but fled empty-handed.

"We are appealing for any witnesses to come forward."

He said it was too early to know if there are any links to a spate of armed robberies in the town in July, which saw Aldi in Trinity Street, H&T Pawnbrokers in Newport Street and Asda in Daubhill raided.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.