AN armed raider held up a family post office with a handgun on Friday morning.

No-one was injured in the incident but staff were left shocked after the robber, wielding a pistol, demanded cash.

The raider escaped with an undisclosed amount of money from the till of the Hengistbury Head Post Office, Broadway, Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth.

It is believed that actually two men were involved in the incident and they were last seen at the junction of Kingsley Avenue with Braemar Avenue getting into a small silver car.

Dorset Police, who were called just after 9am, sealed off the area and forensics officers also attended to carry out a detailed examination.

Police Sergeant Mike Garrett, speaking from the scene, told the Daily Echo: "We were called after reports of an armed robbery shortly after 9am at the post office.

"Witnesses reported a handgun being used and a quantity of money has been stolen - at this time we are not sure of the exact amount.

"No-one has been injured and our enquiries are actively ongoing at this time."

The suspect in the shop is described as white, aged in his late 40s, around six feet tall and with a thin face. He was wearing a black baseball cap and is thought to be bald or with very short cropped hair.

Police have now released CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to in relation to the incident.

Detective Constable Michelle Lawrence, of Bournemouth CID, described it as a "very distressing incident".

She is also appealing for anyone who was in the shop at the time and has not yet spoken to police to get in touch.

The owner of the store, Graham Shard, declined to comment other than to confirm no-one had been physically injured in the raid.

His post office and convenience store was also the scene of an armed robbery in 2012.

On that occasion Mr Shard chased the armed robber away from his store.

Neighbouring retailers declined to comment on the morning's drama.

However, one local resident - a regular at the shop - told the Echo: "I'd just popped down for my newspaper. I'm happy no-one has been hurt.I remember the robbery last time.

"It is awful, I suppose post offices are good targets nowadays aren't they?"

Anyone who saw the incident, or spotted the suspect leaving the scene, has been urged to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 5:84.