A THIEF armed with an iron bar stormed a village service station yesterday.

When the man in his mid-fifties entered the Esso Service Station on Oxford Road, Bodicote, there was only one staff member working at the till who was not injured during the robbery.

The offender walked behind the counter and hit the till with the iron bar before leaving the store on foot with a small quantity of cash and a couple of packets of cigarettes.

The thief was described as a white man who spoke with an English accent.

He was wearing a dark Adidas hooded top with white stripes down the sleeves, black shorts, fingerless gloves and black trainers with white tongues.

His face, however, was covered with a scarf.

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Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses who might have seen the offender.

Investigating officer Lauren Bushby, based at Banbury police station, said: "I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around this time, and who thinks they may have information, to come forward and speak to the police.

"I am also appealing to anyone who was driving in the area to check their dash-cam footage and to get in touch if they think this footage would aid our investigation.

"You can contact us using our online reporting form or by calling the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 43200071106."

Alternatively, members of the public who wish to remain anonymous can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.