POLICE in Suffolk last night refused to rule out the possibility that three post office raids which occurred within just four hours could be linked.A hunt was launched yesterday after shotgun-wielding robbers burst into East Bergholt Post Office and Store in The Street at about 6.

By Danielle Nuttall

POLICE in Suffolk last night refused to rule out the possibility that three post office raids which occurred within just four hours could be linked.

A hunt was launched yesterday after shotgun-wielding robbers burst into East Bergholt Post Office and Store in The Street at about 6.20am.

The balaclava-clad trio threatened staff with a sawn-off shotgun, crow bar and baseball bat before herding them into the back of the shop and ordering owner Alec Gardner to hand over money.

The terrifying scene followed an earlier incident in which ram raiders smashed their way into Wickhambrook Post Office, near Haverhill, using a pick-up truck in a bid to steal the safe.

And just a short while later, raiders struck at Assington Farm Shop and Post Office, near Sudbury, and made off with a stack of cigarettes.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Police said last night the force was keeping “an open mind” as to the possibility of a link between the robbery in East Bergholt and the raids at both Assington and Wickhambrook post offices.

She said: “We are looking at the possibility of a link and we have to keep an open mind. We not ruling out a link.”

During the East Bergholt incident, offenders escaped with an unknown quantity of cash in what is believed to have been a dark-coloured, possibly black, 'L' registration car in the direction of the A12.

No shots were fired during the incident and none of the staff were hurt, but all were left extremely shaken.

Detective Sergeant Andy Footer said: “The staff members, although not physically hurt, have understandably been left very shaken by their ordeal.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the men either prior to the robbery taking place or when they left.

“It is likely that the vehicle may well have been subsequently abandoned and we would like to hear from anyone who has seen a car matching this description.”

One resident of The Street, who did not wish to be named, said: “I hate to see things like this happening where I live. I've been in this village all my life. It's a lovely village and nothing like this has happened before.”

And South Suffolk MP Tim Yeo, who lives in the village, expressed his shock at the incident.

“It brings home to people the extent to which violence has spread outside towns and to rural villages. I have been living here for 20 years and it's the last place I would have expected this to happen.”

Three police cars and a scene of crime van were present outside the store throughout yesterday morning. A road next to it was sealed off while investigations were carried out.

Anyone who has any information on the incident should call DS Andy Footer at Sudbury CID on 01284 774332 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.