A MAN armed with a knife tried to run away with a till in a botched robbery. 

The man, described as “stocky”, entered the Post office in Smugglers’ Lane at Furzehill near Wimborne shortly after 3pm on Tuesday, September 3. 

He attempted to take the till from the counter and was armed with a knife, police officers have said. 

However, a Post Office worker stepped in, prompting the would-be robber to abandon the till at the scene. 

It is believed the offender then made off in a white Seat Ibiza hatchback with tape over the rear number plate. 

He is described as around five feet seven inches tall and of stocky build. He was dressed all in black and was wearing a balaclava or covering over his head. 

There were no reports of any injuries. 

Detective sergeant Gareth Jones, of Dorset County CID, said: “I would like to reassure members of the public that we have launched a full investigation into this incident and are carrying out a number of enquiries to identify the man involved. 

“I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the vicinity, or who has seen the vehicle described above, to please make contact with us. 

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured relevant home CCTV or dashcam footage. 

“There will be an increased policing presence in the area as we investigate this attempted robbery and officers can be approached by anyone with information or concerns.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 3:331.  

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.