RESIDENTS have been left in shock after a terrifying armed raid on a village post office.

Two masked robbers threatened staff before fleeing with £14,000 in the incident at Edgworth Post Office in Blackburn Road.

Two staff working in the post office at the time were left 'traumatised' according to neighbours following the incident on Monday morning.

Detectives have launched a manhunt to catch the men who were armed with a knife or machete.

The pair threatened staff before taking the cash from a till and making off towards the Bury area in a red Vauxhall Corsa at around 10.45am.

The Post Office has temporarily closed the branch, although the rest of the store in which the office is based is open.

Police are appealing for information.

Det Con Lee Walker, of Burnley CID, said: "This is a shocking crime which has left both victims badly shaken. It is fortunate nobody was seriously injured.

"At this stage we believe around £14,000 has been stolen, with the offenders using a red Vauxhall Corsa as a getaway vehicle.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the offence or have any information that may assist the police in capturing these men to call us immediately.

"I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the Corsa in the moments before and after the offence."

A spokesman for the Post Office added: "We would ask for our customers’ understanding while the branch is temporarily closed.

"The people who run our Post Office branches provide important services to local communities and we will be supporting the police in their efforts to apprehend those responsible. Any robbery is a traumatic experience for the victims. We will be offering those affected any support they might need, and would urge anyone with information to contact the police.

"Customers can visit Bromley Cross branch while we work to support the reopening of Edgworth Post Office."

Local residents have said the community has been shocked by the robbery and that they would support the staff in any way possible.

A 61-year-old man, who did asked not to be named, said: "It is a shock, the post office is well used.

"This is a close knit community. Everybody knows everybody and we all pull together.

"I just hope they catch them. Monday is when most of the shops are closed, so you wonder if whoever did it, knew that."

Another resident, a 57-year-old woman who also asked not to be named, added: "I have heard the staff have been very shaken and traumatised by what has happened.

"My family use the office and is frightening that this has happened, we are all shocked by it."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting log number 0427 of September 4.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org