ARMED raiders used a stolen car as the getaway vehicle in an attempted post office robbery.

The white Vauxhall Cavalier, registration H823 DBB, had been taken from Great Lumley, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, last Tuesday.

It was found burnt-out shortly after the raid, on the main post office at Ashington, Northumberland, at 5.40pm, on Friday.

Four men, wearing ski masks and dark clothing, burst into the building through the main door and hit two elderly male members of staff with baseball bats.

They demanded that the safe was opened and cash handed over.

The staff members, who suffered minor injuries, locked themselves in a secure room and the robbers made off empty-handed.

Anyone with information is asked to call Ashington CID on (01661) 872555.