A POST Office manager has told of the terrifying moment armed robbers stabbed him before running off with a haul of cash and cigarettes. 

Mehul Raiyani was working in the Post Office at Leybourne Parade in Lower Bevendean on Wednesday evening when the knife-wielding thugs demanded cash out of the till. 

The Argus:
The youths vaulted the counter to grab cash and cigarettes

The 35-year-old, who has worked in the shop for two years, said: “I didn’t realise I had been stabbed until it was all over and I walked outside.

“I looked down and saw red on my leg, when I touched it and realised it was wet, I knew I had been stabbed.”

Mr Raiyani says he knew what was happening the moment the three “masked kids” walked in the door as another Post Office had been looted in Bevendean earlier this month.

One robber stood guard at the door while the other two jumped over the counter to steal money and cigarettes. 

The Argus:
The Bevendean Post Office was raided Wednesday evening 

The youths screamed “open the till” and “give me money” throughout the robbery. 

Mr Raiyani said he thought of running out of the door but instead decided to do what he was told.

Despite this, he was punched repeatedly in the face and stabbed three times in the leg.

The Argus:
Mr Raiyani was rushed to hospital to have his wounds treated

The terrified shop worker is currently resting in bed and is struggling to stand up.

Mr Raiyani, who had 12 snitches put in his leg, said: “Everyone in the area have been total stars. 

“Shop regulars saw me after it had happened and took my shoes and trousers off to get me into the ambulance.” 

Co-owner Shailesh Manguritya said he was scared of going back to work following the robbery, but reopened part of the shop yesterday.

The 38-year-old, who has received many cards from well wishers, said: “I just want to say thank everyone for their amazing community spirit. 

“All the locals and customers have been lovely and thank you to everyone for all of the support.”

The Argus:
Regulars have given cards to the shop's managers to wish them well

The young men, who targeted the shop at about 7.30pm, are believed to be aged between 18 and 20.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We attended the scene following reports of an assault shortly after 7.40pm on Wednesday.

“One patient was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken to hospital for further treatment.”

"Cigarettes and cash were taken by the trio, who then fled along Taunton Road."

CCTV images show the three white men, who covered their faces during the robbery.

The Argus:
Do you recognise these robbers? 

Anyone with any information about the incident or the offenders is asked to report it to Sussex Police online or call 101 quoting reference 1103 of 16/01.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Earlier this month, another Bevendean robber made off with just £80 after he turned up when Post Office tills were empty.

The masked robber wore a motorcycle helmet to cover his face during the raid on the Nisa shop in The Highway off Lewes Road in Moulsecoomb.