Post office raid: Bloodied postmaster ran into street crying for help after baseball bat attack

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A newsagent's assistant has described coming to the aid of a bloodied village postmaster who ran out into the street from his business next door crying for help after being attacked in a raid.

The victim, who was bleeding from the head, was taken to hospital following the robbery at Mountsorrel Post Office, in Leicester Road, on Tuesday evening.

The incident happened shortly after 5.30pm as the postmaster was closing up his business for the day.

It is believed he was attacked with some sort of baseball bat or similar weapon.

Police said a "large amount of cash" was taken in the raid.

A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.

Hemil Patel, 19, was working in The Paper Shop, a family-run newsagent's next door to the post office.

He said: "I was talking to a friend of mine who lives in the flat above the post office when we heard shouting coming from next door.

"Although not a relative, we are family friends and call the postmaster uncle. He came running out of the front door of the shop shouting 'Help! Help!'

"We went to his aid and saw blood coming from his head. He'd been attacked with some sort of weapon and was in shock and quite a bit of pain.

"I called the police and they arrived in a matter of minutes.

Mr Patel added: "When the ambulance arrived, Uncle was taken to hospital for treatment.

"As far as I am aware he is okay but in a bit of pain and quite badly shaken up.

"It's going to hurt. A colleague was with him at the time of the raid but I don't think they were hurt.

"Everyone in the village who's heard about what happened is shocked to be honest. I've never known of anything like this happening here before."

A Leicester Road resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I was told that postmaster had been attacked with a baseball bat and the thieves made off with quite a bit of cash.

"They were seen running away down the street towards a car parked outside the library."

A police spokeswoman said: "A man sustained minor head injuries in the incident and was taken to hospital. He has since been discharged.

"Our inquiries are continuing."

Mr Patel said: "I'd urge anyone with information about the robbery to contact the police.

"I hope they are caught and get the punishment they deserve."

Anyone who witnessed the robbery, or has any information about those responsible, is asked to contact the police using the 101 number.