A CULCHETH postmistress was punched in the face and held at knife-point by a middle-aged couple who robbed her shop.

The drama unfolded at 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon at the post office on Jackson Avenue.

The 39-year-old postmistress heard a knock at the door and spotted a man and a woman waiting outside. When she opened the door she was hit in the face, then the man pulled out a knife, grabbed hold of her and held the knife to her throat.

Forcing her to the floor, the man held her captive while the woman searched the shop and stole an amount of cash, then the couple ran from the shop.

The postmistress was taken to Warrington Hospital after the raid, suffering bruising and swelling to her face, and shock. She was discharged later that day.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw the couple loitering around the shop before the robbery, or running from the scene.

The man is white, 40 years old, of plump build with a round face and dark hair. He was wearing a woolly hat and a blue bubble jacket, jeans and shoes, and spoke with a local accent.

His partner is white and of the same age. She has auburn hair but this could be dyed, and was wearing a dark, threequarter-length coat, dark trousers and dark boots.

Anyone with information can contact Det Con Ian Jones on 01244 613833 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.