PARCELS and Christmas cards were stolen when hammer-wielding robbers attacked Royal Mail delivery drivers. One postman was injured and taken to hospital.

The incident happened on Tuesday as the drivers were making a delivery to Dartford Post Office in Hythe Street.

It is believed one of up to three attackers went into the post office, picked up a parcel and returned to a getaway vehicle.

The other two then smashed the windows of the Mail van. The first attacker is believed to have struck one of the postmen as his accomplice took festive gifts and cards.

One witness reported seeing the first attacker carry on hitting the postman with the hammer before finally fleeing. The raiders jumped into the vehicle and drove off.

Calls went out across Dartford town centre to try to track down the robbers but without success. The robbery happened at about 9.30am and the post office was sealed off immediately. It reopened within an hour.

Forensics teams searched the van for fingerprint evidence.

A Kent Police spokesman said: “A man, believed to be the driver of the Post Office van, was injured during the incident and taken to Darent Valley Hospital for treatment. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

“Unconfirmed reports are that the injured man was struck with a hammer before a quantity of registered mail was taken.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01322 282111.