A POST office driver was threatened with a hammer after two cars boxed in his van in Hopwood in an early morning robbery.

The driver was forced to stop near the Westmead Hotel on the A441 at about 3am last Wednesday morning.

One man threatened him with what is believed to be a hammer and then a quantity of mail was stolen from the back of the van.

The thieves then drove off in their vehicles, believed to be a dark-coloured BMW and a light-coloured people carrier.

Det Insp Paul Williamson said: "Thankfully, this type of incident is unusual and the driver, although shaken, was not injured.

"We are studying CCTV footage from the surrounding area and as part of our investigation, are appealing to anyone with information to get in touch.

"We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who saw vehicles matching these descriptions between the Kings Norton, Alvechurch or Redditch areas around the time of the incident and can help us to identify the cars and their occupants."

Anyone with information can call police on 08457 444 888 or anyone not wanting to give their name can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.