A TERRIFIED postmaster in a sleepy village was forced to hand over £1,000 in cash when a masked robber burst into his shop and threatened him with a handgun.

Police believe the robber, who was wearing a mask and woolly hat, could have robbed the store out of desperation for cash in the run up to Christmas.

Reginald Brenlund was on his own in Lane End Post Office in Darenth when the robber ran into the building brandishing a gun, just before closing time.

Shouting "give me the money or I'll shoot you", the robber forced the 56-year-old postmaster to hand over more than £1,000 in cash. The offender then fled on foot.

Mr Brenlund, who has worked in the post office in the Watchgate for 14 years, says he was left "shaken up" after it happened.

He said: "It was very frightening because I was on my own at the time and the robber ran in with the handgun. It all happened so quickly when I handed over the money and he ran out again."

"This has never happened before and I've been here 14 years. I hope police now find the robber."

Detective Sergeant Colin Dutton, who is investigating the robbery, said: "This was a nasty robbery and the postmaster was very shaken up so we would urge anyone with information to come forward."

He added: "This is a seasonal robbery because at this time of year everyone wants money for Christmas.

"And it may or may not be linked to a robbery in post office in Eynsford a month ago."

The offender is described as white, in his 20s or 30s, 5 feet 8in tall and with a slim build. He was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone who witnessed the armed robbery around 5.30pm on December 13 or has information about it, should call Det Con Nigel Hughes or Det Sgt Colin Dutton on 01474 565167 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

December 19, 2001 16:30