Armed robbery

She said the messages of support from the community and parish council were appreciated after two men wearing balaclavas forced their way into Shireoaks Post Office at about 6pm last Wednesday.

They stole cash, various stamp books and car keys before fleeing the scene in a black Jeep Cherokee belonging to the postmaster.

The jeep was later found abandoned in lay-by on the northbound stretch of the A57, near Shireoaks. Police believe there may have been another vehicle waiting in the lay-by which the offenders then got into.

“They had obviously been watching us and knew our routine,” she added.

“The police have been great and we can’t thank local people enough for how kind they have been.”

Speaking at Shireoaks Parish Council on Tuesday night, vice chairman Brian Carter said the robbery had been “very unsettling” for the community.

He added: “For it to happen at that time of night as well is concerning.”

Post Office Limited spokesman Mike Norman urged anyone with information to contact the police.

“The people who run our Post Office branches provide important services to local communities. Any robbery or attempted robbery is not only traumatic for those involved but is also an attack on the local community.”

On Thursday officers were stopping vehicles travelling on the road and speaking to people in Shireoaks.

Inspector Steve Cartwright said: “The A57 would have been busy at that time of night and motorists may have seen the Jeep Cherokee or the offenders in it.”

“I would urge anyone who saw the vehicle or anyone acting suspiciously at the time of the incident to contact us.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Notts Police on 0300 300 9999, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.