A substantial reward was today being offered in the hunt for a masked robber who sprayed pesticide into the faces of staff during a post office robbery.

The raider escaped with a “significant” amount of cash after seizing the money as the terrified women were left temporarily blinded.

The robbery happened at the Holme Wood Post Office in Broadstone Way, Bradford, at about 5.30pm on Thursday.

The raider, who was wearing dark clothing, burst in and sprayed the substance into the faces of the staff. He fled with the money to the back of the building and drove off with three male accomplices towards Tong Street in a black car.

The three female employees were treated at Bradford Royal Infirmary for minor facial injuries.

A Post Office spokesman confirmed it would be offering a substantial reward for conviction of the person responsible.

Detective Constable Sean Donoghue, of Bradford South CID, who is leading the investigation, appealed for any witnesses who saw the getaway car, believed to be an Audi, to contact police.

He said the suspects could have been monitoring the post office before the raid took place.

Det Con Donoghue said: “This was a terrifying and extremely upsetting experience for the staff in the Post Office.

“It is particularly concerning that the suspect who entered the premises was prepared to potentially harm staff in order to undertake this robbery.

“The spray contained a pesticide-based substance which could be bought over the counter in many forms, and it is possible that it was purchased recently in the local area.

“I would call on any shop owner or staff member that remembers selling such an item under unusual circumstances to get in touch immediately.

“A significant amount of cash was taken during the incident and it is important we quickly identify those responsible and put a stop to their activity.

“I would ask that anyone who recalls seeing individuals acting suspiciously around the building in the days before to give us a call. I would ask anyone who saw a black vehicle, possibly an Audi, being driven around the area, before or after this offence, to come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact the non-emergency number 101, or