BRUTAL armed robbers, who threatened a four-year-old girl with a gun during a raid two weeks ago, are thought to have carried out another attack in the same village.

A gang of three, armed with a gun, knife and baseball bat, burst into Wooburn Green post office on Thursday afternoon, savagely attacked the postmaster and threatened his wife.

Det Insp Phil Chandler, of High Wycombe CID, paid tribute to the victim who was pistol-whipped during a desperate bid to fend off the masked attackers - before they grabbed an unspecified amount of cash from the till.

He said: "A very brave man faced down three armed and cowardly thugs. His actions were heroic and we wish him a speedy recovery.

"There are strong similarities between this robbery and the one on October 30 at the One Stop shop."

The 54-year-old postmaster was left cut and bruised while his 51-year-old wife was left in a state of shock following the 4.50pm raid at the Wycombe Lane store.

Neighbouring residents expressed shock at the attack, calling for police to do everything within their powers to catch the men responsible.

Detectives expressed concern at the sudden explosion of violent robberies in village stores – but are adamant the public should not panic.

Det Sgt Richard Beard, of High Wycombe CID, added: "This was virtually the same attack as the previous one in Wooburn Green. It happened a few yards down the road, at a similar time.

"The similarities between this and the robbery two weeks ago are uncanny. But there isn't anything to suggest one gang is behind all the recent robberies."

After Thursday's raid the robbers left the post office on foot, heading in the Juniper Hill direction. Officers believe they may have had a car parked nearby.

All the men are white and in their twenties. They were wearing black balaclavas. Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505

--Timetable of terror in village stores--

Wednesday, November 5, 7.30pm: A man wearing a Saddam Hussein mask and a carrying a gun demanded cash at the Spar shop in Great Missenden Road, Great Kingshill.

Monday, November 3, 9.50pm: A man in the same mask robbed Threshers, in Chequers Lane, Prestwood.

Thursday October 30, 4.30pm: Three men wearing balaclavas, armed with a gun, knife and baseball bat raided the One Stop store on The Green, in Wooburn Green.

Rural post offices were also raided in Chapel Lane, Sands, and Thame Road, Longwick, in July.