A man armed with a knife threatened cleaning staff and demanded cash at a Cork post office on Saturday afternoon.
Gardaí in Cork are searching for the lone raider who entered Mayfield post office, just off Old Youghal Road on the north side of the city, about 2.15pm.
A painter had opened up the premises to carry out some renovation work.
The man threatened a cleaning lady but fled the premises empty handed when she explained that the post office was closed and there was no cash.
The man, who had his face covered, then fled on foot from the post office, which is located on Kerry Rd, to a navy Ford Fiesta he had parked nearby.
He then drove down Kerry Rd.
The car was found burned out 30 minutes later at Murmont Crescent less than a half a mile away from the post office and garda technical experts have begun a forensic examination of the vehicle.
Gardaí have also examined CCTV footage from the post office as well as from other premises in the area in a bid to identify the man who was described as being of average build.
Nobody was injured in the raid but it is understood the cleaning lady was shaken.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity near the post office between 2pm and 3pm to contact Mayfield gardaí on 021-4558510
