A ROBBER armed with a gun attacked a terrified postmaster during a post office raid in Nelson.

Mohammed Arshad was locking up at the front of the Parkfield Post Office, Railway Street, when he was attacked from behind by a gun-wielding thug who attempted to pull a holdall from his hand.

Police said a struggle ensued which resulted in Mr Arshad, 58, being stuck by the attacker several times to his head.

It is believed that the offender fled when he was disturbed by a local resident who witnessed the attack. A gas powered, ball bearing firing handgun was left at the scene and has been recovered by police, who today described the attack as "serious and unnecessary".

It is the third time Mr Arshad has been targeted by raiders after a substantial amount of cash was stolen in August last year and he was threatened with a pistol but refused to hand over cash back in 1998.

Mr Arshad received minor injuries as a result of the attack and was left shocked and shaken.

It is believed that several people may have witnessed the incident or seen the man in the area prior to raid at 6pm on Friday.

Detectives investigating the matter are urging anybody with any information to contact them.

The offender was an Asian male, 5ft 9ins, stocky build, wearing dark clothing and a balaclava.

Detective Sergeant Ian Whitehead said door to door inquiries were being made to help trace witnesses.

He said: "This is a serious and unnecessary attack. Mr Arshad put up a spirited defence as he was being attacked."

Anyone with information is asked to ring police on 01282 472646 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."