Two hooded robbers slashed a grandfather with three-foot long Samurai swords when he tackled them as they tried to rob his post office.

The robbers, surprised by their 68-year-old victim's courage, eventually fled empty-handed.

In a final flurry of defiance, Alan Garratt, who has previously undergone surgery for a triple heart bypass, hurled a bottle of sherry at the raiders as they fled.

The raid, which lasted 40 terrifying seconds, was captured on a CCTV camera – put up the day before. It was installed after another raid on the same premises just six days earlier.

The shocking images show two men wearing balaclavas and holding the weapons aloft, ready to strike.

One of the men vaulted the counter, apparently thinking Mr Garratt's wife, Erica, 69, was alone in the shop and post office, in Main Street, Knipton, in the Vale of Belvoir.

Alerted by his wife's cries for help, Mr Garratt rushed from the back of the shop, forcing the raider to jump back over the counter.

One of the raiders then brought his sword down on Mr Garratt's left arm and hand, causing deep wounds.

Both men took turns slashing at him, while Mr Garratt searched for something to defend himself with. The robbers fled empty-handed as he began to tackle them once more.

Mr Garratt's left arm needed eight stitches following the attack at about 5pm on Monday. He also suffered deep cuts to his left hand.

Today, he said: "It was all over in 40 seconds. You can see they're proper Samurai swords on the CCTV footage.

"I don't think they thought anyone would tackle them.

"I didn't really feel it when I was cut on the arm and hand until afterwards. There was blood everywhere.

"The only thing I could find to arm myself with was a bottle of sherry."

His wife said: "These two with the swords frightened me more than the time I was held up with a gun about 10 years ago. They were so violent and determined, it's lucky Alan wasn't more seriously injured.

"I love the job, but our four children say we're getting too old for taking on robbers."

Last Wednesday, the post office was broken into by thieves who tried to cut through the safe. They fled with nothing when the couple arrived home.

Police are investigating whether the incidents are linked.

Detective Constable Pete Martin, of Melton CID, said: "It is important anyone who has information urgently gets in touch.

"We are also keen to speak to the occupants of a small, silver or grey car seen parked outside the premises at about 8.35pm on November 26. The vehicle had a partial registration of AG08."