A THIEF used a three-foot long plastic-handled axe to bludgeon his way through Skerton Post Office in a raid last Friday afternoon.

He smashed the glass security screen, reached behind the counter, grabbed a money box and made off with a substantial amount of cash.

The Log Splitter axe, which is yellow with black tape wrapped around it, was later discovered by detectives close to the Post Office, on Owen Road.

Police say they want to speak to anyone who might have had a long-handled axe stolen from them recently.

DC Clive O'Beirne said: "There's a possibility that the axe has been wrapped in black tape by the offender to make it look less obtrusive when he walked into the shop. Alternatively it could have been stolen in that condition. It looks quite well used."

The robbery took place at about 4.30pm and police are also appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

The thief was wearing an orange motorcycle crash helmet with a black tinted visor. He was about 5ft 10ins tall, slim and wore a navy blue length jacket.

Police also want to trace the owner of a white helmet which was also found close to the scene.

"The helmet we found doesn't fit the description of the one the thief was wearing but we would like to find out who it belongs to so we can eliminate it from our investigations," added DC O'Beirne.

Ring Lancaster CID on 63333 if you can help with inquiries.

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