POLITICIANS have demanded action after terrifying armed robberies in two West Oxfordshire villages left communities stunned.

Robbers tied up petrified staff at Long Hanborough’s Co-operative Food store and threatened them with a hammer before making off with cash and cigarettes shortly after 10pm on Sunday.

The incident followed a knifepoint robbery at the Post Office in nearby Minster Lovell about two months ago.

Witney MP Robert Courts expressed his shock at the use of violence in both offences.

Liam Walker, who represents both villages on Oxfordshire County Council said he would contact Thames Valley police commissioner Anthony Stansfeld and ask what the force can do to prevent such incidents.

He said: “It’s quite shocking that something like this can happen again in our community not long after a similar incident took place at the Post Office in Minster Lovell.

“There have been a number of attacks on supermarkets across Oxfordshire over the past six months.

"Clearly the police, with their limited resources, are doing the best they can but they can’t be everywhere all the time.”

Mr Walker said he would like supermarkets to do more to protect staff and customers, such as investing in bolstered security.

He said: “That could be investing in better CCTV, panic alarms or security guards at larger stores.

“This incident has caused a lot of concern as these shops are at the heart of our communities.

"I hope those involved are brought to justice.”

Three offenders targeted the Co-op in Main Road shortly after 10pm on Sunday.

They tied up two members of staff, threatened them with a hammer and a piece of wood and then made off with cigarettes and cash.

On leaving they stole a blue Ford Focus.

Mr Courts took to social media to express his shock.

He said: “Long Hanborough’s Co-op team are unfailing friendly and helpful and should not have to suffer such a vicious robbery.

“Thoughts with them.

"If anyone has information, please contact Thames Valley Police.”

Staff at Minster Lovell Post Office were robbed at knifepoint at about 9.30am on January 19, with cash stolen.

Police appealed for help tracing a man aged between 18 and 25 who may have information about the incident.

The two offences are not understood to be related.

Anybody with information about either of the robberies is urged to contact police on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Supermarkets have also been under threat from ram raiders in recent months.

Eight in Oxfordshire, including Morrisons in Carterton and a Co-op in Charlbury, have been targeted by thieves, generally focussing on cash points.