ROBBERS made off with hundreds of pounds after snatching a cash box as it was being delivered to an Accrington post office.

The raid in Blackburn Road yesterday happened two days after armed robbers stole £200 cash and 200 cigarettes from Supamarket petrol station in Hyndburn Road.

Police today said they would be investigating the possibility the robberies were linked, but that it was too early to say either way.

Post Office guards were making the cash deliveries just before midday yesterday.

Two men posing as customers entered the shop after an initial box had been dropped off.

As a guard returned with the second delivery, one of the men snatched it from his hands.

The other held the door open and they fled to a silver Mazda, which drove off at speed.

A Post Office spokesman said: "The staff were shaken but no one was hurt. We are assisting the police investigation."

Police said they were investigating whether the robbers knew about the delivery, or if it was chance.

The Post Office rotates its cash deliveries, so there is no pattern to them.

Police tape cordoned off the post office yesterday, with an officer standing guard on the door.

Scenes of crime officers arrived after 1pm in the hunt for forensic clues.

Detective Inspector Jim Elston said: "It appears the element of surprise enabled them to get away.

"The main part of our appeal is to trace the vehicle.

"Anyone who saw a vehicle fitting that description driving away from the scene, possibly at speed should come forward."

Police checkpoints were quickly set up on major routes, but the vehicle slipped the net.

It is not known whether a third person acted as the getaway driver.

The robber who snatched the box was a large black man of heavy build and wearing a shirt and tie. The other was a white man wearing a red cap.

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 with information.