TERRIFIED post office staff were threatened at gunpoint by a masked robber this week.

The shocking raid, on Wednesday afternoon, is the latest in a spate of vicious attacks in and around the normally sleepy village of Kings Langley.

The man, wearing a motorcycle helmet and brandishing a silver handgun, burst into the Hempstead Road store at about 2.30pm and ordered staff to hand over what is believed to be a substantial amount of cash.

He then fled in the direction of Common Lane.

Residents and traders in the close-knit community say they are saddened but not surprised by the latest incident.

Keyan Elaya, manager of the nearby Spar convenience store, has first-hand experience of armed robbers after two of who targeted his shop in June.

He said: “They came in and threatened us with a knife. They stole some cash, scratch cards and cigarettes. It is very sad that it has happened again.”

The youths responsible for that and two other attacks, at the nearby Ladbrokes bookmakers and a Texaco garage in Primrose Hill, were jailed last month for a total of seven years.

But in the past two months alone thieves nearby have also: n Robbed a Texaco garage in Cow Roast at knife-point.

n Stolen thousands of pounds from a branch of Halifax in Hemel Hempstead.

n And shot and seriously injured a security guard and a bystander at a Tring supermarket.

On Thursday, October 16, a man, also disguised with a motorcycle helmet, robbed a newsagents in St Albans Road, also at gunpoint.

The proximity of the latest incident, however, has disturbed and angered village traders.

John Andreas has operated a hair salon next to the post office for more than 30 years.

He said: “It’s all getting a bit too close to home now. It is very shocking.”

Maria Pearson, who works in the Doolittle Pet shop over the road, said more should be done to shore up a vulnerable community.

She said: “It’s all too easy. We’re right by the motorway here. People can be in and out in minutes and back onto the M25.

“We’ve been asking the council for CCTV cameras for a long time now, but they say there is no funding available. It would also be good to see more of the police.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and information about the crime.

Detective Sergeant Sam Khanna said: “In particular, we believe there may have been an elderly gentleman who saw the incident and other people in the area who we would like to hear from.”

The robber is described as about 5ft 11 inches tall and of a stocky build. He wore blue, padded motorcycling overalls and a blue and white helmet with a distinctive flame pattern on the side.

Anyone with information should telephone 0845 33 00 222 Police will not say how much money was stolen in the raid.