A robber has been captured on camera threatening an Oxford bus driver at knifepoint - then stealing just £1.

The robber, with tights pulled over his head to cover his face, struck on a route 7C Stagecoach bus in Headington.

The CCTV video shows him punching the bus driver and stabbing his hand as the driver tried to protect himself.

Near the end of the three-minute ordeal, the robber reached out and tried to grab money from the cash box. But the driver lashed out with his feet and hands and forced his attacker off the bus.

The robber fled along London Road, towards the Green Road roundabout, with just five 20p coins.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone who recognises the robber to get in touch with them.

Dc Simon Hannam said: "The offender may have escaped with a small amount of cash, but has committed a serious crime.

"We would advise people not to put themselves at risk of harm but on this occasion, the bus driver was able to get the offender out of the bus to protect himself and his passengers."

The robber was brandishing what was thought to be a retractable-bladed craft knife in his right hand. In his left hand, he held what police described as a blunt weapon, concealed inside a sock.

The robbery happened at about 10.25pm on Sunday when there were half-a-dozen passengers on the bus.

Dc Hannam added: "This is a very serious offence. A man has been threatened with a knife and assaulted. The bus driver was punched in the head and went to hospital with a cut finger.

"The man is 6ft, medium build and was wearing dark tights over his face.

"I would urge anyone who witnessed the robbery and has not yet spoken to the police, or was in the area at the time and saw the man, to come forward."

Stagecoach spokesman Chris Childs said: "Our driver handled the situation extremely well and we commend his actions. Our general advice to staff is to place their personal safety as the number one priority.

"We have very few incidents like this and invest in CCTV and other security measures."

Anyone with information should call Dc Hannam, of Oxford CID, on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.