Police are appealing for witnesses after thieves broke into Barclays Bank in Marcham Road, Abingdon in the early hours today.

Between 1am and 1.30am the thieves forced open the main front door at the bank and then broke in and stole £7,500, all in coins.

It is believed that there were three people who had their faces covered with what were believed to be balaclavas.

At 1am today, McDonald's in Oxford Road, Benson, was broken into. The offenders entered through the rear door and cut a hole in the safe. They stole around £5,000 in cash, a mixture of notes and coins.

Det Insp Kev Elkins said: “I am appealing for the public to help us with our enquiries and urge anyone with any information to contact me.

“We are also investigating an attempted burglary at Wantage Service Station in Wantage Road which was reported to us by a delivery driver at 1.24am today.

“I believe that the burglars were in a dark coloured, medium-sized hatchback car, similar to an Audi A3 and I ask anyone who might have seen this vehicle, to get in touch.

“These offences all happened this morning; however, I am keeping an open mind as to whether or not they are linked.

“I appeal to anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity in the area to contact me.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det Insp Elkins at Didcot CID, on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not wish to speak to police or give your name, contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.