A HAVE-A-GO hero is recovering at home after he was seriously injured trying to stop raiders robbing Unsworth Post Office.

Gary Smith, aged 47, grabbed a spade from his van and attacked four masked men who were threatening staff at the shop in Unsworth Pole.

Mr Smith, who is a flooring contractor, hit one robber in the arm with the spade before being attacked by the gang and suffering serious head injuries.

The balaclava-clad robbers also attacked postmaster Howard Berry, aged 61, after dragging him outside onto the street. He was also taken to Fairfield Hospital, Bury, with a head injury.

Detectives praised Mr Smith and urged people with information about the raid to come forward.

“This would seem to have been a well-planned raid but nothing would have prepared these dangerous robbers for the actions of the man who acted extremely bravely and without a second thought for his own safety,” said Det Inspr Jane Little.

She added: “As a result, he suffered a very serious injury and I am appealing to the public to help me identify the offenders.”

The raid happened at 2.25pm last Thursday.

A source close to the inquiry said the men had staked out the post office waiting for a security van to deliver a cash box.

Police said four robbers entered the butchers’ shop, which interlinks with the post office.

They smashed the post office counter’s glass screen and threatened Mr Berry and two female staff members.

Andrew Nicholson, who manages the shop, said: “They were carrying crowbars and hammers and threatening the staff.

“Howard did not want any harm coming to the women, so he stood up to them and they dragged him outside.

“It must have been absolutely terrifying for them all.

“Gary comes into the shop regularly. He came in for a sandwich and heard the commotion.”

Police say Mr Smith went to his blue Ford Transit van parked outside the post office, grabbed a spade and confronted the gang.

The robbers stole cash and left in a stolen black Seat Altea car that was found abandoned in nearby Hollins Lane a short time later.

Mr Berry was released from hospital later the same day and Mr Smith left hospital yesterday (June 1).

Det Insp Jane Little added: “While the man’s actions should be commended, we would never encourage anyone to intervene in such a way.

“If you have any knowledge about who could be responsible or saw the men escaping or abandoning the getaway car I want to hear from you.”

The post office was closed until Tuesday (May 31) to allow police to examine the scene.

The Post Office is offering a reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information should call Bury CID on 0161 856 8248.