A witness appeal has been launched following an attempted armed robbery on Friday.

The incident took place at 4pm when an offender entered the Willian Post Office, near Letchworth GC, and demanded money from the man standing behind the counter. The offender had a hand gun in his possession.

The panic button was pressed in the store and the offender then quickly left the scene, taking no money with him. He was seen running off along Willan Road in the direction of Lordship Cottages, continued up a track towards woodland and from then on in an unknown direction.

The offender was described as white, of slim build, around 5ft 8 inches tall, in his late teens or early twenties. He was reported to be wearing a dark tracksuit and a black balaclava.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Nev Hanks said: “Incidents of this nature are rare in the local area and we are doing everything we can to find the person responsible.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have information about this crime to come forward.

“Do you recognise the man from the description given, did you see him leaving the post office or if you feel you know who could be responsible? Any information you can provide could help significantly with my investigations.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Hanks via the non-emergency number 101, citing crime reference number G2/14/687. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.