DETECTIVES are still hunting two members of a white paper suit gang involved in a "shambolic" attempted robbery at a post office and convenience store.

As the Star reported, 41-year-old John Paul McMahon from Lonie Grove, Thatto Heath was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for robbery at Liverpool Crown Court last week.

In July he was one of three men wearing white paper suits that entered Eccleston Hill Post Office/Co-Op Late Shop in Prescot Road.

They demanded money from staff before making off on foot empty-handed. They were reported to be carrying an axe, spade and a piece of wood.

Members of staff in the post office were uninjured but left shaken.

The gang ran to a nearby housing estate and one of the men was seen changing his clothes.

McMahon was stopped nearby and arrested on suspicion of robbery, before being charged with the offence. The police investigation continues into identifying the other men.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Sephton: "Business robberies are not a victimless crime, and the impact on people who work and visit shops targeted can be significant."

He said the key to the sentencing was video footage provided by a witness who followed McMahon and filmed him undressing in the street.

DCI Sephton added: “McMahon is now looking at a lengthy sentence which reflects the severity of a serious crime, which ultimately left him and his accomplices taking a massive risk for zero reward.

“Extensive enquiries continue to be carried out by my detectives to identify the other people involved, so I would still appeal to the local community to come forward with any 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.”