FOUR people have been arrested after an armed robbery which left a postmaster in hospital.

Police were called to reports of the incident at Castle Hill Post Office, in Tonge Moor Road, shortly before 3.05pm on Tuesday, September 11.

Two men - one of whom was armed with a machete - entered the post office and approached the counter where they demanded money from owner Kirit Patel.

The 64-year-old crouched to the floor in fear before one of the men struck him with a machete.

The offenders proceeded to search the counter before fleeing in a black Nissan X Trail that was parked on Warby Street with a getaway driver waiting.

The SUV then fled towards Eldon Street.

Both offenders were wearing dark coloured face coverings with one man wearing dark clothing and the second wearing a grey top.

A quantity of euros was stolen from the post office.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for a slash to his leg.

He has since recovered and reopened the shop, which he has worked at for 30 years, on Friday.

Three men, aged 37, 29 and 22 and a 20-year-old woman have now been arrested on suspicion of robbery and theft of a motor vehicle after officers recovered a Nissan X Trail in the Salford area. They have been released under investigation.

Detective Constable David Harris, of GMP’s Bolton borough, said: “The horrific actions of the offenders left an innocent man in hospital with a serious injury.

“They showed absolutely no regard for the victim as they left him lying in the post office after striking him with a machete.

“While we arrested four people in connection with this incident, our investigation remains ongoing and I would urge anyone who saw the car in the area around the time of the attack to please get in touch.

“I would also ask anyone with any information that could assist our investigation to please contact police so that we can ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 1133 of 11/09/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.