POLICE have arrested two more men following three armed robberies in West Oxfordshire.

In three separate raids over the past five days, armed men targeted shops in Witney and stole various amounts of cash.

The latest arrests came after a man entered the Co-op in Shipton Road, Milton-under-Wychwood, at about 10pm on Sunday, and threatened staff with a screwdriver before getting away with cash.

In Witney on Saturday at the Cogges Hill Road Tesco Express, a man brandished a meat cleaver at staff and then got away with cash.

A 36-year-old man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of robbery. He was released on bail until September 21.

Police announced this afternoon they have also arrested a 34-year-old man from Witney on suspicion of robbery. He is currently in custody.

It follows an incident last Wednesday when a man wearing a balaclava went into the Tesco Express in Witney's Fettiplace Road carrying a syringe.

The robber walked to the tills and jumped over the counter, while members of staff fled, and stole cash.

A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery last Wednesday and was released on bail until September 12.

Police have said they are keeping an "open mind" on whether the robberies are linked.

Investigating officer, Det Insp Steve Raffield, from Banbury Force CID, said: “I would like to speak to any witnesses to any of these incidents or anyone with any information about them as they could help with our enquiries.

“Detectives are currently working to establish the circumstances of the incidents and to identify offenders.

“Extra patrols have been taking place in the areas affected and businesses have been offered crime prevention advice.”