POLICE have released descriptions of three men thought to be behind a 'vicious' food store robbery in which staff were threatened with a hammer. 

The Co-op in Main Road, Long Hanborough was targeted after 10pm last Sunday when two men armed with a wooden post and hammer entered the store. 

Two members of a staff, a 39-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, were made to open a safe in the staff room and were then left with their hands tied up with cables. 

The offenders emptied the safe and the shop's cigarette cabinet whilst a third man patrolled outside, appearing to check for anyone arriving. 

Staff members had their mobile phones stolen and car keys taken from them and were barricaded into a room.

The offenders left in one of the staff member's blue Ford Focus which has since been recovered. 

The first offender, who carried the wooden post, is described as being about 5ft 9ins tall. He wore a blue bandana with the eye holes cut out, and a blue hooded top with the hood up.

A second offender is also about 5ft 9ins tall. He wore a blue hooded top and had a bandana covering his face. He was wearing light blue tracksuit bottoms.

Speaking with a 'slight Birmingham accent', the third offender is a similar height to the other two men, but has a larger build.

He was wearing a black hooded top, a black balaclava, black tracksuit bottoms and black footwear.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Bryan Groves based at Banbury police station, said: "This was a very distressing incident for the victims, and a team of officers have been in the area investigating the incident.

"I would like to appeal for anyone who has any information relating to the incident to come forward.

"I would also like to speak to anyone who was driving in the area at the time and has dash cam footage, as they may have recorded the suspects driving in the area at the time of the offence.

"Anyone who has any details which they think could help our investigation should call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101."