The mother of a man shot dead during a robbery at the family's post office has paid tribute to her "beautiful boy" who died protecting the people he loved.

The armed gang who killed Craig Hodson-Walker, the son of the postmaster, is being hunted by more than 100 police officers and the Post Office has pledged a £50,000 reward to help catch the killers.

Mr Hodson-Walker, 29, was shot in the chest when three robbers, armed with a handgun and sledgehammer, targeted the Fairfield Post Office and Stores in Fairfield, north Worcestershire, yesterday morning.

A fourth hooded man waited outside acting as a lookout and getaway driver, it is believed.

Today Judy Hodson-Walker, 56, spoke about the tragedy for the first time after releasing a statement through West Mercia police.

She said: “We are devastated at the death of our beautiful boy who died protecting the people that he loved.

“We would like to thank people for their kind wishes and we ask that we are left alone to grieve in peace at this difficult time.”

Her husband, sub postmaster Ken Hodson-Walker, 56, was also shot and is being treated at Birmingham's Selly Oak hospital for leg injuries, where his condition is said to be stable after surgery.

The robbers, wearing balaclavas, dumped their VW Golf getaway car close to the scene just after 8.20am after police believe they got caught in rush-hour traffic.

Detective Superintendent Jon Groves, heading the inquiry, has urged witnesses to come forward.

"The offenders are dangerous and must not be approached," he said.

"A team of detectives and staff in excess of 100 are working on this case. I can assure you that we are determined to bring these offenders to justice as soon as possible.

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