AN ELDERLY man fell in the path of a getaway car being used in an attempted armed robbery, in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Wilf Dean, 89, slipped in front of the car, which was reversing wildly, as it waited for two members of a gang, holding up the post office on Station Road.

Mr Dean, of Main Street, said: "I'd been in the fruit shop and the robber was just trying to reverse out of the side of the butchers.

"I don't think he was trying to hit me but I just happened to slip on the pavement. He just twisted his wheels."

As he lay on the floor, Mr Dean - a valiant community worker - saw two masked men carrying large weapons emerge from the post office and head towards the car, which was driven by a white male.

He said: "Before he had finished turning, the two men came across the road with sticks to get in the car. They were two big fellows."

Mr Dean says he is unscathed by the dramatic events - and only wishes he could have apprehended the men.

He said: "It was really a bit of an exciting time. If I'd have had a brick, I'd have thrown it through the window.

"I wasn't worried, I was just mad that

I couldn't help. You see what can happen while you're out shopping. I went into

the post office to check if they were alright."

The incident occurred at 10.45am, last Friday.

Two men, wearing balaclavas, stormed into the post office, one wielding a

sledgehammer and the other a pick axe handle.

The men smashed the glass counter of the post office but nobody was injured.

The men then left without taking anything.

The stolen car used in the attempted

robbery, a white Saab, was later found abandoned, in nearby Crown Street.

Witnesses saw the men transfer into a black R Registered Audi.

Inspector Angela Williams, of Keighley CID, said the incident bore similarities to another armed robbery in Addingham,

several weeks ago.

She said: "Inquiries are ongoing. As yet we do not know if they are connected but it cannot be ruled out."

Police are urging anyone who can help them with their inquiries to telephone DC Colin Edwards on (01535) 617059.

The post office is now open again and back in business.