Parish councillors are calling for more bobbies on the beat after masked raiders armed with a shotgun tried to rob a village post office.

The gang fired the gun at the glass security screen of the post office in Halifax Road, Cullingworth, at 10am yesterday but fled empty-handed when it failed to smash.

The terrified postmistress and her female assistant had run for cover in the basement.

Today, as detectives appealed for information about the raid, parish councillors said they feared the village was being targeted by criminals.

Parish councillor and neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Ken Bachelor said steps needed to be taken to prevent more serious crimes in the village.

"This has really shaken everyone up and we need to see that something is being done to deter crime and reduce people's fear of crime," he said.

"I appreciate the police have a demanding and difficult job to do but rural areas like Cullingworth are being targeted and next time we might not be so lucky."

Parish clerk Karen Luscombe, who records reported crime statistics, said figures were not a true representation as people were often afraid to report offences.

There were 21 reported incidents for December 2002 compared to 18 in December the year before. Burglaries dropped from seven to three, while vehicle thefts rose from eight to 11 and violent offences from one to three.

"We feel we are overlooked in rural areas but now we are becoming a soft spot for criminals," said Mrs Luscombe

Parish councillor Liz Balding said: "It's something that's brought up at every Parish Council meeting and every neighbourhood forum. People want the police to be seen out here."

Cullingworth's community police officer, PC Ian Hemsworth, urged residents to report every crime and suspicious incident.

"I would encourage people to ring in more and contact the Problem Orientated Policing team on (01274) 537441, and if we're not there to leave a message. We'll get in touch."

Detectives hunting the Post Office robbers want to speak to anyone who saw them escape in a white Rover 416 GTI (registration H217 SCX) which had been stolen from Southfield Road, Odsal. The car was found on fire 30 minutes later in Durham Terrace, Girlington.

Officers particularly want to speak to the driver of a Nissan Micra who had to swerve to avoid being hit by the Rover outside the Spar shop in Cullingworth.

The Rover driver is described as an Asian male in his mid-20s. The others were all wearing full face balaclavas.

Contact Keighley CID on (01535) 617083 or or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.