A postmaster was threatened by an armed robber before being driven to a village post office in Leicestershire.

The victim, aged 54, was approached near the junction of Melton Road and Village Street, in Edwalton, Nottinghamshire, by a man who threatened him with an imitation firearm. He was put in a car and driven to the post office in Barrow-upon-Soar.

The two suspects tried to get into the post office but ran off empty-handed when they were spotted by two police officers.

The incident was reported to police just before 8pm on Thursday, February 9.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The victim was put into a blue Nissan Micra, registration BG61 MYK which it is believed was one of two vehicles stolen during a burglary in Syston at about 3.30am on Wednesday, February 8.

The suspect who was carrying the imitation firearm, was white, about 5ft 9in tall, of stocky build. He was wearing a balaclava, black clothing, a coat similar to an anorak and leather gloves.

The driver of the vehicle was of a slimmer build, about 5ft 7in tall, he too was wearing black clothing.

Detective Constable Rob Buckley said: “This was an extremely distressing incident for the victim and we would urge the public to contact us if they witnessed any part of the incident in Edwalton or Barrow-upon-Soar.

“The Nissan was parked in the Co-op car park briefly before it was moved to the back of the post office and officers are urging anyone who was in that area and saw a similar vehicle containing three people parked up in the car park to contact them.

“The suspects were last seen heading towards the railway lines on foot and we would ask local people to contact us if they saw two men fitting the description of the suspects running away from the area.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con Rob Buckley on 101.