CUSTOMERS and staff were terrified as thieves stole thousands of pounds in a robbery at a town centre post office.

Four men leaped over the counter of the Sanford Street Post Office shortly before 4pm yesterday.

They challenged staff to open the tills and took cash and other items before making their escape.

No-one was hurt in the raid but police say the 10 customers as well as staff were left shaken by the experience.

The shop remained closed after the robbery while police investigated but it was expected to reopen this morning.

Det Sgt Pete Ritson, of Swindon CID, said: "Investigations are at a very early stage, but from statements, we understand these people did not use any weapons or threatening violence, but by the mere fact they jumped over the counters they were going to be saying please and thank you."

Police have seized several tapes of CCTV footage which they will be examining in the coming days.

Witnesses have told them the men helped themselves to the contents of the tills before leaving the post office and heading for the Parade area in front of the Tesco supermarket via College Street.

They then went through the Fleming Way underpass and headed for the Tricentre building before getting into a small black-coloured car - possibly a Volkswagen - in the Carfax Street area. The car then headed towards Manchester Road.

Det Sgt Ritson said: "We know that one of men may have dropped some cash and went back to pick it up, and that is bound to have drawn some attention.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen these four men in the town centre and we urge anyone, no matter how little they think their information is worth, to get in touch."

The men are described as black, wearing dark jackets and tracksuit tops and dark baseball caps. All are between 18 and 24, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 9in tall and one had a London accent.

Anyone with information is urged to call Det Con Tony Mitchell at Swindon police on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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