Police have released a CCTV image of a masked man who robbed a village post office on Thursday afternoon in the hope of a tip-off to track down the crook.

The crime happened at Pirton’s post office and village stores at 4.35pm when the man entered the High Street shop and approached the counter.

He ushered the staff members away from the area and opened the till before grabbing what’s described as a ‘small amount’ of cash and making his escape.

Investigating officer Det Con Ben Dixon said: “I am appealing to anyone who might recognise the man in the image to get in contact as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact him via the police non-emergency number 101 citing crime reference number G1/16/166.

You can also contact crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.