THIEVES threatened a postal worker with a sword and crowbar during an attempted robbery in a Cambridgeshire village.

Two men approached the worker in the shed area of the post office in High Street, Mepal, at about 6.05am. They threatened the man with what was described as a crowbar and a sword, and demanded he open the safe.

When the man explained he couldn’t open the safe the men began hitting him. The victim eventually managed to break free and ran back to the Post Office. The thieves fled the scene.

It is believed the men left the area in a silver Vauxhall Astra, registration AD08 ZPL, being driven by a third man.

The victim, a 52-year-old man, suffered cuts and bruises and was treated at the scene by ambulance staff.

The two men involved in the robbery are white and described as in their early 20s, slim and wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Det Sgt Phil Richardson said: “This was a nasty incident and I would urge anyone with information about those responsible to contact police.

“At this stage we are not linking this robbery to the recent robbery in Bar Hill but we remain open minded.”

CONTACT: Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.