A MANHUNT is underway this afternoon (Friday) after a robber raided Wellington post office near Hereford, attacked a woman working the counter then stole her car to make a getaway.

Officers, included armed response crews, are searching surrounding roads for the car - a white Ford Escort registration number J68VKG.

Inspector Robert Barnett, of Hereford Police, said the suspect - a 'fat' 5ft 5in man in black, who has a London accent - had to be assumed to be 'dangerous'.

He may have had an accomplice, said Insp Barnett

"If this car is seen do not approach it but call 999 immediately," he said.

At this stage the attack - first reports of which came in at 1.50pm today - is being treated as either a robbery or attempted robbery.

As yet, officers at the scene cannot confirm what has been stolen.