A CUSTOMER has described the moment two masked men wielding a knife and a suspected gun tried to rob a post office.
The pair walked into the branch in Vernon Road, Old Basford, at about 10.10am yesterday and demanded cash from staff but were forced to flee with nothing.
A customer who was in the shop at the time, who asked not to be named, told the Post: "A masked man appeared in the shop doorway with a knife and told everyone that if they stood still no one would be harmed.
"At first no-one took any notice because it was all so random.
"A second masked man entered and on seeing him, the shop assistant shouted over towards the post office counters 'press your alarms'.
"One of the masked men then proceeded to bang on the glass, and damaged the screens.
"The postmistress dropped to the floor and pressed her panic alarm. Then they ran off empty handed."
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and say they particularly want to hear from anyone who saw a possible getaway car.
No-one was hurt and no shots were fired by the man who was believed to have been carrying a handgun.
People living near the post office have spoken of their shock at the incident.
One woman living in nearby Mandalay Street, who asked not to be named, said: "I didn't even know it had happened until someone told me. I'm quite shocked by it.
"I was glad I wasn't in there at the time. I go in there every day and was in there with my grandson at about 9.30am. I would've been frightened to death.
"I'm just glad no-one was hurt. The staff are so nice. I can't imagine how they must have felt."
The post office, which is believed to be run by a family, was still shut yesterday afternoon as police carried out forensic examinations.
A squad car was parked outside with an officer guarding the scene and police tape on the front door.
Matthew Lacey, 20, also of Mandalay Street, said: "It's a safe place really. I've never known anything like that happen there before.
"The first thing I knew was when I saw the coppers and wondered what happened."
Notts Police said detectives were keen to trace a silver three-door car which left the scene and was last seen driving along Bulwell Lane following the incident.
Officers are also carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage.
Another woman, who lives in nearby Vernon Road and preferred not to be named, said: "All the people in there must have been so scared. The staff in there are lovely."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Notts Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.