A BRAVE postmistress was today recovering after being hit by a brick and a lead pipe as she foiled a robbery.

Linda Scorey was left bleeding from the head after an armed man burst into her shop and attacked her.

The attempted robbery sparked a massive police hunt for the assailant after he walked into the store in Sparsholt, near Winchester, demanded cash and then hit the woman when she refused to hand it over.

Witnesses told how the man first smashed a glass security panel dividing the shop from the post office with a brick before beating Mrs Scorey around the head with a lead pipe.

When Mrs Scorey activated the alarm, he ran from the shop and fled through neighbouring fields.

Two residents gave chase - one on horseback and another on a bicycle.

Police were called to the shop - which Mrs Scorey set up 12 years ago with business partner Stella Neaves - shortly after 11am.

Hampshire's police spotter plane was launched after news of the attack was received, while dog teams were dispatched to track the man - last seen heading towards Sparsholt College and Stockbridge Road. Forensic officers were also deployed.