WITNESSES have spoken out after a robbery at Tadley Post Office this morning.

An employee at a shop neighbouring the post office in Mulfords Hill told The Gazette she saw a man in a balaclava or mask drive off at speed in a black, saloon car at around 9.50am this morning.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: “I saw a black car pull out of here and went up the road towards Aldermaston at 40mph.

“All I can say is that I could see the driver’s eyes – he had a mask or a balaclava on.”

She added: “It was quite traumatic. It was in broad daylight, at 9.50am, and there were a lot of people out at that time of the day.

“If somebody was out in the road, then they would have killed somebody.”

She said she could see two people in the car, the driver and a passenger.

Shortly afterwards, neighbours in Wildwood Drive, Baughurst, reported seeing a car on fire at the end of their cul-de-sac.

One woman told The Gazette officers who came to the scene linked the car fire to the robbery in Tadley.

Another resident said: “I heard a big bang – it was very loud. It was like fireworks. Then a neighbour told me a car was on fire.”

Firefighters from Basingstoke were called to the car fire and put out the flames. Police officers took pictures of the car before it was taken away on the back of a recovery truck at around 12.45pm.

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed they had cordoned off the Post Office in Tadley, but refused to say exactly what they were investigating, after being called there at 9.41am.

A statement read: “At this early stage of the investigation enquiries are ongoing to ascertain the exact circumstances as to what has happened.

“The Post Office has been cordoned off temporarily as part of this investigation, and an area search to identify any potential suspects is also underway.”

But the Twitter account for NPAS Benson – the police helicopter – has posted a Tweet which said: “1100hrs, Tadley, search for offenders following a robbery, enquiries ongoing. Did find a stolen quad bike.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident 292.