POLICE are hunting three men in connection with an attempted armed robbery in Poulton Road, Wallasey this morning.

Just before 11.45am three men, believed to have been armed with a sledge-hammer and an axe, damaged a BMW belonging to a customer before threatening him to hand over cash.

The victim ran into the post office. He was followed inside by the three offenders, who left the scene empty-handed in a black Alfa Romeo, which was being driven by a fourth man in the direction of Wallasey.

The car was later found abandoned and on fire in Shakespeare Road 10 minutes later. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene.

The offenders are believed to have then headed off on foot down several alleyways, leading back onto Poulton Road. They may have left the area in a further vehicle.

Detective Inspector Anne Rannard said: "We take reports of armed robberies extremely seriously and are determined to catch the people involved in this incident to get them off our streets.

"I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone with information to contact us and help us bring these people to justice."

The three men who entered the post office are described as wearing white overalls with black balaclavas.

Anyone who may have seen this incident or has any information can call Police on 0151 777 2263 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.