STAFF were assaulted and forced to the back of a Co-op shop as robbers raided it for cash and cigarettes.

One woman was slapped across the face and one man pushed in the robbery at the shop in Bassett Avenue, Bicester, on Sunday, June 17.

Thames Valley Police said three men forced four members of staff to the back of the shop just before 7am before fleeing with money from the safe and cigarettes from the shop.

All three are described as black and wearing dark clothing.

A black Vauxhall Mokka is also thought to have been used in connection with the robbery.

The two assaulted staff did not need hospital treatment and the other two members were uninjured.

Investigating officer Grahame Lea, of Force CID based at Banbury Police station, said: "It is fortunate that no-one was seriously hurt in this incident.

"This group of men used force to steal cash and cigarettes from the store.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious around this time or anyone who thinks they saw what happened."

Anyone with any details is asked to contact police on 101