ROBBERS who abducted and tied up a postmaster and his wife are believed to be behind a string of similar raids across the North West.

Sub postmaster John Willis and his wife Sheila were recovering at their West Bradford home today after being bound and gagged by the raiders, who took them on a terror car journey to their post office in Mill Hill, Blackburn, before escaping with cash on Wednesday night.

Mrs Willis suffered severe facial bruising and black eyes after being beaten during the raid and was last night unable to talk about the incident.

Her husband was made to open the safe at the post office and the villains emptied its contents before escaping in the couple's car.

Police are now appealing for residents in West Bradford who saw anything suspicious leading up to the attack at 9.30pm to contact them.

They also want to speak to anyone in the area of Feniscliffe Drive in Cherry Tree, Blackburn, who saw a dark green, N-registered Ford Granada being abandoned at about 11pm.

Det Insp Mick Marren, of Blackburn police, said the search for the gang was being co-ordinated with other forces.

"Certain aspects of the crime lead us to believe that it may be linked with other similar offences."

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