DETECTIVES were today hunting a gun-wielding robber who punched a woman in the face before fleeing a Hampshire post office empty-handed.

Village postmistress Linda Scorey, suffered minor facial injuries and shock in the attack which occurred at around 4pm in Sparsholt post office, near Winchester.

Police said Linda was alone in the secure area of the post office with her back to the door, when the man entered.

On turning she was faced with a handgun as the robber jumped over the counter and demanded money.

Mrs Scorey fought to close a security door, but the man reached round the door and punched her in the face.

Alerted by Mrs Scorey's screams, fellow postmistress Stella Neaves ran downstairs, frightening the intruder.

The man ran from the small village post office in Woodman Lane, fleeing towards Hursley.

Detective Sergeant Janis Adair, of Winchester CID, praised the two women for their "appropriate response" in handling the situation.

She said: "We need to catch him as quickly as possible.

"Whoever he is, somebody must have some information in relation to his actions.

"The situation could have been much worse."

Today, detectives were continuing house-to-house inquiries in the area.

Det Sgt Adair appealed for anyone who saw a man of that description approaching the post office or running from the post office, to contact Winchester CID.

"We also need to hear from anyone who has seen such a man in the area before the day of the attempted armed robbery and anyone who saw a man running to or getting into a vehicle."

The robber was described as a man of athletic build and about 5ft 10in.

He was dressed in black and wore a black balaclava over his face.

He carried a cloth bag, similar to a cash bag.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Winchester CID on 0845 045 45 45.