THUGS sprayed a shopkeeper with a fire extinguisher before running off with two bottles of alcohol.

The two thieves entered the Co-op on Iffley Road, Cowley,oc and requested two bottles of spirits from behind the counter.

When the bottles were placed on the counter for payment, the victim, a 54-year-old man, was sprayed with the white powder and the offenders ran off the store without paying for the items.

The shopkeeper did not require hospital treatment as a result of the incident.

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Thames Valley Police has now released CCTV images of two people officers wish to speak to as they investigate the incident of shoplifting and assault that happened at approximately 7pm on March 24.

Investigating officer Lee Dix  said: "I am appealing for the two people pictured in these CCTV images to get in touch with police, as I believe they will have crucial information that can help this investigation.

"Similarly, anybody who recognises either of these people, please contact Thames Valley Police, preferably via the online reporting form, quoting reference 43200096837."

Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.