POLICE today arrested a fifth person in connection with a ramraid on a Banbury jewellers.

Just before midday yesterday, three men wearing balaclava helmets reversed a dark blue Honda Civic into the new Michael Jones shop in High Street, Banbury, before attacking the shop window with axes.

The robbers sped off in a silver-coloured getaway car, chased by police.

An eyewitness said: "The blue car and the silver vehicle arrived together. I thought it was odd because it's a pedestrianised area and cars are not normally seen here in the day time.

"The blue car rammed Michael Jones' window but the glass only cracked and did not break.

"Two men in balaclavas got out and used axes on the window.

"They gave up as the police arrived and drove off at high speed, up the High Street, followed by a police van.

"The street was full of shoppers. It's a wonder no one was hurt."

No one from Michael Jones was able to comment.

Det Sgt Steve Duffy said: "This was a totally reckless incident in a busy pedestrian area of the town. It is only good fortune that no one was injured.

"I am really pleased by the good response we have had from the public and the support the local shop owners have given us, despite us having to close the road for several hours.

"We have recovered jewellery and four people have been arrested in connection with this incident and are currently in police custody."

Three men arrested yesterday aged 28, 24 and 20 along with a woman aged 23, remain in police custody.

Another man, aged 28, was arrested this morning and is also being questioned by detectives.