A SUB-postmaster has told of the horrifying moment when he found himself staring down the barrel of a sawn-off shotgun.

Today the police hunt was continuing for the hooded raider who brought terror to staff before escaping with thousands of pounds of used bank notes.

Sub-postmaster Sri Kandiah, 53, was using the telephone in his office at the back of the Hamble Post Office when he heard a commotion.

He said: "When I looked out of the office I saw this double-barrelled gun which was being pointed quite dramatically at me. I was just lost for words and froze. I could hear him saying, 'I will blast your head off so open the drawer and give me the money.'"

Mr Kandiah said the threatening words became more like a chant. The armed raider, who used a white polythene bag to scoop up the money, was getting more agitated.

The sub-postmaster described how he took two or three steps back into his office and dialled 999. By that time the raider had run off.

Mr Kandiah said: "It was a very frightening experience and you do not expect this to happen in Hamble which has always seemed to be a safe community. The main thing was that no one was hurt."

Detectives hunting the armed raider are hoping that the current heatwave will lead to his downfall.

Police believe the white man aged between 20 and 30 was seen by people sitting opposite the Alldays store in Hamble's High Street about 15 minutes before he burst into the post office and threatened a 50-year-old assistant.

Despite Friday afternoon's soaring temperatures, the gunman had the hood of his dark-coloured coat up as he waited to strike.

Today, acting Det Insp Phil Jones said: "Friday afternoon was very warm and most people were dressed in shorts and T-shirts. This man would have been highly conspicuous and I'm sure would have come to the attention of a large number of passers-by.

"There were certainly lots of tourists and yacht people in the area at that time and we would appeal to anyone with any sightings of this man or anyone with any information concerning this offence to contact Hedge End CID on 0845 045 4545."

Friday's raid happened at about 4.45pm when the raider, who is also believed to have had a scarf covering the lower half of his face, walked into the post office and threatened a cashier.

Detectives say the raider, who was 5ft 4in to 5ft 6in and of average build, handed over a bag and left with £2,000 to £3,000 in used banknotes.

No shots were fired but Det Insp Jones said: "The female cashier and the 53-year-old postmaster were very shaken."

After leaving the post office the gunman ran down the High Street towards Alldays and diagonally across the main Hamble Square car park before disappearing.