POLICE are hunting two men who attempted an armed robbery in Rednal.

The men, one armed with what appeared to be a handgun and the other with a meat cleaver, were both wearing balaclavas when they walked into Cofton Post Office just after 11am this morning, (April 22).

A woman working behind the counter was threatened and an unsuccessful attempt was made to smash the counter screen before the men fled empty handed and ran off towards Cofton Park.

No shots were fired and no one was hurt during the incident.

The force helicopter and dog handlers were sent to help with the search of the area near the Parsonage Drive-based post office. The area was also cordoned off for forensic examiners to work at the scene.

One of the robbers was white and both were wearing black or dark jackets with the hoods pulled up, black joggers or trainers with white stripes down the legs and black trainers. One of them was carrying a black plastic bag with a white drawstring.

Detective Inspector Callie Bradley said: “This was a serious incident despite the fact that the robbers didn’t manage to steal anything.

"The woman who was confronted by them is obviously shaken up although fortunately she was not hurt.

“It’s vital that anyone who saw these men in that area before the offence or noticed them making off afterwards, gets in touch with us. If you know something please come forward immediately.”

Door to door enquiries are taking place and the Safer Neighbourhood Team has been involved with targeted patrols, which police say are providing additional reassurance for the community.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives on non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 249-S-220414.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.