Robbers who raided a post office punched a woman in the face before stealing thousands of pounds in cash.

Police have described the gang of four masked men who robbed Southleigh Post Office in Wootton, near Abingdon, as organised criminals. Wearing masks, they entered the post office in Besselsleigh Road at about 4.45pm brandishing weapons.

One gang member hit the female subpostmaster in the face and she was taken to hospital with bruising to her eye.

They stole £3,500 in cash and left on foot before fleeing in a yellow Ford Sierra which had been stolen from Wootton Village earlier in the day.

Police last night found the car abandoned in Coupland Road. DS David Horsburghsaid: "This is a particularly violent attack carried out by organised individuals."

The female subpostmaster received facial injuries and is now recuperating at home, a Post Office spokesman said.

A sign at the post office today informed customers that the office would be closed "following a cowardly and brutal attack on post office staff."

It is not known when the post office will reopen but customers are advised to use branches in Cumnor, Botley, Kingston Bagpuize or Northcourt Road in Abingdon.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who saw the robbery or the gang abandoning and stealing the vehicle to contact them on 08458 505505 or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.