Police hunt 'Saddam' armed robbers

The armed robbers were all wearing Saddam Hussein masks

Armed robbers wearing Saddam Hussein masks struck twice within a couple of hours at two post offices in Hampshire.

A masked man, armed with a handgun, first entered the Church Street Post Office in Romsey at about 1720 GMT on Monday.

After threatening the 60-year-old assistant, he fled empty-handed when staff refused to hand over any cash.

About 90 minutes later, three masked men entered the One Stop shop and post office in Sherfield Road, Bramley.

No injuries

They stole cash and a wallet from a customer containing £20. Detectives are linking the two robberies.

In the first incident, six members of staff - five women and a man - and two customers, both men, were in the post office at the time.

Police believe they drove off with a third man in a gold coloured medium sized car.

None of the staff were injured, but were left very shaken.

Detective Inspector Rachel Farrell, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: "If anyone knows of anyone who may have recently bought these types of masks they are urged to call the police.

"In addition we are interested to hear from retailers who sell similar masks, particularly if they have sold three masks at the same time."