A GANG of raiders wearing Saddam Hussein masks is believed to be behind two armed robberies in Hampshire.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, staff at the post office in Romsey were left terrified when a masked raider, armed with a black handgun, walked in and demanded money.

He escaped empty-handed after a 60-year-old female cashier refused to hand anything over.

Police are now linking the incident with a second raid in Bramley, near Basingstoke, just an hour and a half later.

The first incident was at 5.20pm at the post office in Church Street, Romsey. There were six members of staff - five women and a man - and two customers, both men, in the post office at the time. None was injured.

The raider was seen running from the post office with a second man to the rear of the old magistrates' building opposite and in the direction of Church Road. It is believed they drove off with a third man in a gold-coloured car.

The first man is described as white, aged approximately 20, 5ft 10in to 6ft with a slim build. He had short blond hair and was wearing a light-coloured long-sleeved jacket.

The second man seen outside the post office is described as white, about 5ft 9in, in his late teens with a slim build. He had short, dark hair and was wearing a dark top and dark trousers.

Detectives are linking the robbery with a second incident at a One Stop convenience store in Bramley just before 7pm.

Three masked men armed with a handgun and a knife demanded that a 16-year-old boy who was working behind the counter open the till. They stole money and a wallet containing £20 from a man in the shop. No one was injured.

Officers investigating the robberies can be contacted at Eastleigh or Basingstoke CID on 0845 045 4545 or via the free and anonymous Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.