POSTAL workers were locked out of their post office formore than four hours after an attempted break-in.

Staff arrived at the post office, in High Street, Southend, at 8am on Tuesday ready to open up for 9.15am, but found the door had been so damaged they could not unlock it. The door was not opened until 12.30pm and workmen did not finish fitting a new one for another hour-and-a-half.

A Post Office spokesman said: “The people who run our branches provide important services to local communities. Any robbery or attempted robbery is not only traumatic for those whowork at the branch, it is also an attack on the local community, as our services are vital for people in the area. Thankfully, the branch is now fully operational again.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience to customers of Southend Post Office due to the disruption of service caused by the attempted break-in.

“We urge any members of the community whomay have seen anything to contact Essex Police on 101."