AN armed raider fled empty-handed today after a frightened shop worker bravely refused to hand over cash.A man, carrying what is believed to be a handgun, bundled his way into the Ruskin Road Post Office, Ipswich, at around 9.

By MARK BULSTRODE

mark.bulstrode@eveningstar.co.uk

AN armed raider fled empty-handed today after a frightened shop worker bravely refused to hand over cash.

A man, carrying what is believed to be a handgun, bundled his way into the Ruskin Road Post Office, Ipswich, at around 9.40am and demanded money from a female worker.

He pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the woman, who was thought to be working alone at the time of the incident, but left empty-handed after the she refused his demands for cash.

Simon Weller, who runs the post office with his wife, was outside the rear of the shop when the incident happened.

He said: "There was just one person who came in and I don't know how he got away. I ran out but I couldn't see him. The shop was empty at the time."

He added that the female shop worker involved in the incident was a "little shaken" but "OK".

The post office was closed until noon today while police began their investigation into the incident.

Neighbouring salesman, Michael Mason said they didn't see anything but said the timing of the raid was a big shock.

He said: "It is a shock that this kind of thing could happen in such a close-knit community at this time of day. We get on well with the post office and you wonder who is going to be next. Unfortunately, the police can't be everywhere."

The offender is described as a black male in his mid 20s. He wore a padded navy blue hooded jacket, dark jeans and white trousers.

Police would like to hear from anyone in the area who saw anyone matching this description.

Anyone with any information about the crime should call Ipswich CID on 01473 383133.