A GANG held a Royal Mail delivery driver hostage as they tried to rob a post van in Widnes.

Three man ambushed a Royal Mail delivery driver as he pulled up at the back of the post office in Albert Square at around 5.10pm yesterday.

They forced him into the back of his van through a side door.

They held a screwdriver to his neck and dragged him into the back of the post office.

They only managed to get so far before the alarm sounded and the offenders fled.

A dark coloured BMW, possibly a 5 series with a 57 number plate was seen leaving the area at speed, towards Leigh Avenue.

One of the men is described as 5ft 8ins tall with a north west accent. He was wearing a white forensic-like boiler suit with the hood up. His face was covered with a dark coloured scarf.

The two other men were dressed the same way.

Anyone with information should contact DC Jason Heath on 101 quoting incident number 698 of 20 December 2012. Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.