STAFF at a post office were allegedly confronted by three men armed with an axe and piece of wood during an attempted robbery this morning.

Police, who have now made a series of arrests, were called at 9.05am to reports the men were seen entering Eccleston Hill Post Office, on Prescot Road.

They demanded money from staff before making off on foot empty-handed.

Members of staff were uninjured but have been left extremely shaken.

Four men aged 19, 26, 41 and 45, from Thatto Heath have since been arrested on suspicion of the attempted robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.

A 51-year-old woman also from Thatto Heath was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

They have been taken to a police station in Merseyside to be interviewed.

Crime scene investigators are carrying out examinations at the scene and detectives are making house to house enquiries and viewing CCTV from the surrounding area.

Detective Inspector Louise Birchall said: "Thankfully the members of staff were not injured during this incident but they have been left very shaken.

"Officers attended and five people have been arrested.

“Extensive enquiries led by detectives are currently being carried out but I would appeal to the local community to come forward with information.

"The force is absolutely determined to crack down on attempts to rob businesses across Merseyside and we are continuing to run a range of proactive initiatives to help them improve security.

“Anyone with information can call Merseyside Police on 0151 7776041 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."