DETECTIVES are hunting an armed gang who attacked a security guard with a sledgehammer in a raid on a Royal Mail van.

The 35-year-old guard also had a knife held against his throat before the thugs escaped with a "substantial" amount of cash.

The four raiders, also carrying a sawn-off shotgun and iron bar, struck outside the Sandy Lane post office in Prestwich.

They confronted the Cashco employee seconds after he pulled up at the post office to deliver cash. He was forced to lie on the pavement.

Detective Sergeant Dave Maguire of Bury police said: "A knife was held to the guard's throat and he was forced face down on to the ground.

"One of the raiders struck a blow to his ankles with the sledgehammer and then a second blow to his back."

The shotgun was pressed into the guard's back as one of the raiders entered the van, smashed a security screen and forced open a security box.

He grabbed a cash box and a number of parcels, also containing money and stock.

The four escaped in a red Volvo car, stolen from Bolton some days earlier. However, they left behind a Ford Sierra vehicle which had been stolen earlier from Ramsbottom. Detectives say the raiders had arrived at the post office in the two cars.

Later, the Volvo was found abandoned in Kersal Road, Prestwich. Police are anxious to talk to anyone who may have seen the thugs transfer into another car in Kersal Road or who witnessed the raid at 2.20pm on Thursday (March 18).

The security guard was slightly injured in the robbery, but declined hospital treatment.

All the raiders wore balaclavas and there are no further descriptions at this stage.

Anyone with information should ring the investigating officer, Det Sgt Mike Jackson, at Whitefield CID on 856 8248. Alternatively, they can freephone CrimeStoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111. They need not give a name and could qualify for a cash reward.

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