Detectives are appealing for information after two attempted armed robberies in Ormskirk and Burscough.

The first happened between 3pm and 3:30pm yesterday afternoon when a white man wearing dark clothing entered the busy County Road post office and made a demand for money brandishing a firearm.

He left the scene having failed to steal anything.At around 4.10pm a man matching the same description entered Burscough's quieter Square Lane post office, made a further demand for money and brandished a firearm.

Thankfully nobody was injured during the incidents and nothing was stolen but staff that were present are shaken up and are being spoken to by detectives.

A short time after the second incident was reported a 21-year old man was arrested on Flax Lane, Burscough on suspicion of robbery and an imitation firearm was recovered nearby.

DI Steve Monk, of South division police, said: “We are aware that members of the public were present during the robbery at County Road and we are keen for those people to contact us as soon as possible.

“Incidents of this nature are rare but I know that this will be very concerning for local residents. I would like to reassure you that we have a team of detectives working on this investigation and there are additional reassurance patrols in the area."

And if you were present at County Road Post office or have any information with regards to these offences, please contact police on 101 quoting log number 1096 of July 19^th or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.