GUN-wielding robbers were being hunted by police last night after they subjected staff at a Suffolk post office to a second terrifying raid within a year.

GUN-wielding robbers were being hunted by police last night after they subjected staff at a Suffolk post office to a second terrifying raid within a year.

The masked men struck at the Exning Road Post Office in Newmarket late yesterday and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

It is the second time the premises has been targeted in less than a year after two masked men armed with an axe and what was believed to be a gun threatened staff on December 30 last year.

Police were called to the latest incident at about 4.50pm following reports that three to four men, all wearing balaclavas, burst in and demanded money. It is believed they were armed with guns.

The security screen protecting staff at the counter was smashed in the raid but police said no shots were fired and no-one was injured.

After stealing the money, it is believed the robbers left the scene on foot, running up King Edward Road.

The same post office was targeted in December last year, and Jon Richardson, regional secretary of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, voiced his concern last night.

He said: "It is very upsetting to have these sorts of things happening to them. It really does scar people for life.

"This is particularly worrying as it's fairly early - when the clocks go back they seem to hit the post offices."

He added: "Suffolk police have re-launched an initiative to try to protect rural post offices in particular.

"The rural post offices are as well protected as they can be and the security measures are in place. We seem to get these gangs around that are targeting anywhere where they hope they can get some money.

"I was hoping this year might be a bit quieter. I was hoping against hope that it would be better."

He urged the public to be vigilant around post offices and report any suspicious behaviour.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the offence, who may have information to assist their enquiries, to contact Newmarket CID on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.