POLICE are hunting a gang of armed robbers who escaped with several thousand pounds from Potter Street Post Office in Harlow last Tuesday afternoon.

Terrified staff and customers looked on as three men armed with baseball bats and crowbars entered the post office and smashed their way through laminated security screens.

The gang grabbed two cash trays containing money and post office documents. No-one was injured.

The men fled in a grey Ford Sierra car stolen from Hoddesdon at 1pm that afternoon. The car was next seen in Prentice Place, Potter Street, shortly before the robbery which happened at about 4.35pm.

After the robbery, the car was abandoned near garages in Pinewood Close, Potter Street. One of the money trays and some documents had been left in the car.

Detective Constable Paul Tindall said: "This was a calm, professional robbery by desperate men. It was a frightening experience for staff and customers at the post office and I am hoping that the public will provide information that will lead us to the robbers."

The robbers are believed to be aged between 20 and 25, about 6ft tall and of slim build, wearing balaclavas and casual clothing.

Anyone with information should ring DC Paul Tindall or DC Simon Almond at Harlow CID on 01279 641212.