A MAN brandishing a meat cleaver threatened staff before stealing cash from a Tesco Express in Witney, police said.

Wearing a black balaclava, the man jumped over the counter and forced shop workers to hand over money at the Cogges Hill Road shop on Saturday night.

Officers said that there were no customers in the shop at the time and no one was hurt in the raid, which happened at 10.45pm.

Det Con Samantha Bonner said: “I would like to speak to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time of the offence.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who has any information about the robbery which could assist with our enquiries.

“No customers were in the store at the time of the incident and thankfully no members of staff were hurt as a result. However, there have been police patrols in the area and anyone with any concerns should approach an officer and speak to them.”

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Police added the man was white and wearing dark clothes and gloves.

The surrounding community were concerned to hear the news and many said it was not the first time the Tesco store had been targeted by robbers.

Wincey Yiu, who works at Chinese takeaway Golden Palace next door to the shop, said she was worried by the news.

She added: “We were open when it happened but I didn’t notice anything or hear anything until the police arrived.

“I’m not really sure of the details but it’s quite worrying that stuff like that could happen here.

“But it does get quiet after dark. I had a customer in at the time, but I didn’t realise anything had happened.”

Eileen Lang, who lives in Cogges Hill Road said the shop, near to Blake of C of E Aided Primary School, had experienced break-ins before.

She added: “I’m not really worried about because the police have been to the store.

“It’s not the first time here has been a break in. It is a nice area around here so I don’t know why.

“But there are people that hang around the shops.”

Tiler Tim Robinson, of the same street, said he was concerned for the staff involved and hoped they were okay.

He added: “We never knew anything had happened but it’s quite surprising.

“We feel quite safe here. But it seems to be a store that’s targeted.

“My mother used to work there and said she had no problems.

“But when I’ve gone to work I’ve seen the windows boarded up when the window’s been smashed. It’s happened about three or four times before.

“I wish there was make police presence in the area to be a deterrent to whoever is doing this.”

Last month the Co-op store in High Street, Eynsham was targeted in a robbery, although police have said if the latest raid might be connected.

A man entered the store and brandished an unidentified object and threatened staff with it at about 7.30pm on July 15.

Police said a “substantial amount” of money was taken.

Charlotte Redman of Thames Valley Police said it was impossible to identify the weapon because it was covered, but said the robber was able to get away with the cash.

Staff at Tesco yesterday did not want to comment on the raid.