A MEAT cleaver found just yards away from Newton Poppleford Post Office is thought to be one of the weapons used in the terrifying masked raid. Officers swooped on the village following the burglary on Tuesday, which happened at around 2am, and found the

A MEAT cleaver found just yards away from Newton Poppleford Post Office is thought to be one of the weapons used in the terrifying masked raid.

Officers swooped on the village following the burglary on Tuesday, which happened at around 2am, and found the knife near a bin in School Lane.

Police believe the balaclava-clad gang fled the scene in a dark coloured BMW and are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicle to come forward.

Descriptions of the three burglars have also been released.

The first man is around 5ft tall, has a slim build with a foreign accent, which is possible Eastern European. He was wearing dark blue overalls and a balaclava.

The second man is around 5ft 2 inches tall, of slim build and was wearing similar clothes. He also had an accent but it was not strong.

The third man is around 5ft 11 inches tall.

The first man is thought to be in his late 30s and the others are slightly younger.

All men were wearing black gloves and trainers-one pair of the trainers has silver strips on the heels.

Following the incident Sidmouth Police are reassuring members of the public that the attack was "extremely rare".

Sergeant Andy Turner, of Sidmouth Police, said: "We have mounted 24-hour police patrols but we would like to assure people there is no need to worry.

"However, if you see anything suspicious please don't hesitate to call 999."

Anybody with information about the burglary should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or police on 08452 777444 quoting crime number KS/09/352.