CCTV images have been released after two masked men brandishing kitchen knives robbed a post office in Leigh.

Two men, both wearing balaclavas, burst into Firs Lane Post Office on Wigan Road at about 9.50am yesterday and approached the counter brandishing kitchen knives.

After removing the till, both robbers fled with the till and its contents.

Ayub Lamba, the business owner, said they also managed to get into the post office till.

They were last seen running across Wigan Road and onto Sportsman Street, Leigh.

They left behind a bright yellow JD Sports plastic carrier bag which police have taken for forensic analysis.

The first robber was white, about 5ft 6in tall, slim and wearing dark clothes, a black Parka-type jacket with brown fur and a black balaclava.

His accomplice was also white, slightly taller and wearing very similar clothes. Both were carrying kitchen knives with 12-inch blades.

Leigh Journal:

Det Sgt Paul Jackson said: "Thankfully, the staff at the post office were not injured but clearly they were incredibly upset and distressed to be confronted by two masked men brandishing kitchen knives.

"This appalling incident happened early in the morning when they would have been a lot of people either going to or from the post office so it is possible there are a number of witnesses who saw these two individuals lurking around the area.

"We have also released CCTV stills, one of which shows the men walking with the bright yellow bag before the robbery so hopefully this will jog someone's memory.

"If you did see something, or you suspect who may be involved, then please come forward with any information you have."

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8567225 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.