AA MASKED man armed with a hammer robbed a post office in broad daylight.

The robber burst into the Blackburn Road Post Office on Tuesday morning and terrorised staff in a “traumatic” raid.

He was dressed completely in black, was wearing a balaclava and brandished a hammer.

The raider threatened staff and seized the cash, before making off. No one saw which direction the raider went off, said police.

They were called at 10am and by the time they arrived at the post office the robber had fled.

Though there were no reports of injuries, police say their enquiries are ongoing.

People who use the post office have been voicing their concerns .

Julie Vanian, a customer of the Blackburn Road branch, said: “It’s going to happen again — it’s going to be people’s gardens and houses, then what is going to be next, Asda?”

The road is lined with businesses, including funeral directors, hair and beauty salons and pubs.

Tattoo shop Eccy Thump is opposite the Post Office.

Staff at the shop said they did not see the attack, but were shocked to hear that another business had suffered an armed attack. They said this kind of crime is highly unusual for the area.

Staff member, Lewis Williams, 30, said: “You just don’t hear about it around Astley Bridge. It is quite a quiet place, it’s a really close knit community, everybody knows everybody here.”

The post office in Blackburn Road is now shuttered up. A Post Office spokesperson said: “We can confirm that there was a robbery at Higher Blackburn Post Office on July 16. Any robbery or attempted robbery is very traumatic for those involved and we will be supporting the police in their efforts to apprehend those responsible.

“We would urge anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. In the meantime, the branch is temporarily closed.

The spokesman added: “We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused and thank them for their understanding while we work to reopen the branch as soon as possible.”

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 10am on 16/07/19 to reports of a robbery at a Post Office on Blackburn Road, Bolton.

“A male offender entered the store armed with hammer, dressed all in black, wearing balaclava and carrying black bag.

“The offender made threats to staff and left with quantity of cash in unknown direction. There were no reports of injuries. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Customers can access Post Office services from nearby branches which include Halliwell Road and Castle Hill.