A POST office has been targeted by burglars for the second time in eight months.

Thieves broke into Black Lane Post Office, in Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, through a door at the rear of the building.

Police were called at 8.55pm on Sunday and discovered a “substantial” amount of cash had been stolen — believed to be tens of thousands of pounds.

Detective Sergeant Darren Collins, from Bury CID, said: “This was an audacious burglary that has been an extremely difficult experience for everyone connected to it.

“We have a number of positive lines of inquiry and would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us.”

The shop has been shut since the break-in and a sign saying it would be “closed until further notice” rem- ained on display yesterday.

A Post Office spokes- man said: “There was a burglary at Black Lane Post Office over the weekend. The police are investigating the incident and anyone with information should contact them.

“We will be re-opening the office as soon as possible and apologise to customers for any inconvenience.”

Black Lane Post Office was also targeted in June last year by four men who used the rear door to break into a first-floor flat above the shop.

People living and working in the area were left reeling by the latest break-in at the post office.

A young mum who lives close to the shop said: “I heard banging but I didn’t think anything of it. When I heard there had been another burglary I couldn’t stop crying. It’s really scary that this has happened again so close to home.”

A woman living in nearby Stanley Road said: “Post offices aretargeted by burglars but it is worrying. It’s a nice road and it’s horrible when things like this happen.”

A local businessman added: “It does worry me that this keeps happening. It’s frightening.”

The raid was the latest in a spate of burglaries in Radcliffe in recent months, which has seen Radcliffe Pool And Fitness Centre ransacked by a gang and stock worth £20,000 stolen from Boots, in Blackburn Street.

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to call the police on 0161 856 8213 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.