Caught on camera: The moment machete-wielding robbers carried out a terrifying Post Office raid

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The men, both wearing balaclavas, tried to smash security screens with the 2ft-long sword and a hammer after bursting in as the couple were processing mail.

Dramatic CCTV pictures captured the hold-up in broad daylight at Romiley Post Office in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

The footage was issued by detectives today as the Post Office offered a 'substantial' reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the raiders.

Terror: Robbers armed with a machete and a hammer enter the Post Office

Threats: The pair demanded cash while brandishing the claw hammer and machete

Greater Manchester Police said the robbers used a brick to prop open the door of the Post Office before storming up to the postmaster and postmistress.

They demanded cash while brandishing the claw hammer and machete.

The pair then tried to smash the screens before fleeing empty-handed.

They escaped in a blue Volkswagen Golf towards the centre of Romiley.

Detective Constable Philip Hargreaves of Stockport CID said: 'The CCTV images recovered clearly show the intent of the offenders, who tried to force their way behind the counter of the post office.

'Thankfully no one was injured, however the type of weapons used and the level of force shown in the attempted robbery demonstrates how dangerous these individuals are.

'I would ask anyone who may recognise the offenders from their clothing or who perhaps knows who is responsible, to come forward and speak to police.'

A Post Office spokesman said: 'The size of the reward would depend on the nature of the information received but if it did lead to a conviction then it would be substantial.

'Nobody was hurt in the incident but the staff involved were quite understandably very shaken. We are working closely with the police investigation.'

The men are described as white and wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Stockport CID on 0161 856 9840 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.