A MAN reportedly shoved an elderly shop owner to the floor this morning before swiping cigarettes and grabbing fistfuls of till cash. 

Hackett's newsagent has allegedly endured the ordeal of a robbery yet again, following a gunpoint raid in 2013 and a would-be robbery involving a meat cleaver in 2006.

Granddad Gordon Hackett, who is in his 70s, was manning the shop in Garsington Road at about 6.40am today when a man and woman entered.

Shop assistant Dawn Allsopp, who was not present at the time, said: "The bloke stood in the corner and all of a sudden pushed Gordon to the floor.

"The bloke picked up the till and threw it on the floor, reached out and too cigarettes from the cabinet and some notes from the till."

Oxford Mail:

Shop assistant Dawn Allsopp this morning after the robbery at Hackett's

She said Mr Hackett was 'in shock' after the pair ran off and called her into work so he could go home to rest.

It is not yet clear how much was stolen. 

Cowley resident Ms Allsopp, 66, said: "I just think they saw an opportunity; the woman was talking to Gordon while the man was looking out the window to see if anyone was coming."

Despite the string of robberies Ms Allsop said both she and Gordon were 'defiant' and would continue their work.

She said: "I've been here on and off for two or three years and I do feel safe. Last time we carried on and this time we will carry on.

"Gordon sees the shop as a community thing, he likes to come out and meet people."

The shop is open as usual today while Thames Valley Police officers investigate. 

Ms Allsopp said it was at least the fourth robbery that Mr Hackett has experienced at the shop.

In 2013 he was back behind his till within hours after a gun-wielding man pushed him to the floor, stole cash and cigarettes and fled.

In 2008 he scared off teenagers who attempted to rob him after brandishing a meat cleaver at him. 

Thames Valley Police has been contacted for confirmation and further details about this morning's incident.