TWO masked men raided a newsagent's shop on May Day Bank Holiday threatening the manager with a baseball bat and tying him up.

The 36-year-old manager of the Forbuoys newsagents and Post Office in Tudor Parade, Rickmansworth, had closed the store and was cashing up at around 12.25pm when there was a knock at the back door.

He opened it to be confronted by two masked men, one carrying a baseball bat. They pushed past him into the shop and tied him up before stealing cash, cigarettes and other items, including scratchcards and stamps.

The alarm was raised several hours later when the shop manager's wife went to the shop after he failed to arrive home.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Joe Quinlivan said: 'She heard muffled noises coming from behind the rear door so she went to the neighbours for help and they broke in and freed the manager.'

The man was taken to Watford General Hospital suffering from shock and a slight head injury he received when the robbers pushed their way in. He was not able to return to work until Thursday afternoon as he recovered from his ordeal

Mr Quinlivan said: 'This man suffered a terrifying ordeal and we want to hear from anyone who has information they think might help us catch those responsible.'

A spokesman for Forbuoys refused to comment on the incident and said: 'It is our policy never to discuss security matters with anyone.'