A ROBBER told two teenage boys he had a knife before stealing their mobile phones in a 'scary' ordeal.

The man approached his victims, both aged 16, on the canal path that runs beneath Bridge Street in Banbury.

He told them he had a knife and stole two mobile phones, a phone charger and wireless earphones.

The robbery happened between 2.45pm and 3pm on Tuesday, April 9, and police released a witness appeal today.

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An 18-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of robbery, and has been released on police bail.

Officers said man who was on a passing canal boat acknowledged the boys as he drove past, and they are keen to speak to him about what he saw.

Neither of the boys suffered any injuries during the robbery.

Case investigator Pauline Heilbron, of Bicester police station, said: "We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything in connection with this incident to make contact with us.

"I’m particularly keen to speak to a man who was on a passing canal boat and acknowledged the boys as he drove past.

"Thankfully no-one was hurt during the incident, but it was a scary experience for both victims."

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Anyone with any information can call 101 and quote reference number 43190107844, make a report online, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.