MASKED robbers threatened five people with a gun and a machete after forcing their way into a city house.

The gang burst into the house in Cutteslowe on Tuesday evening before a fight spilled out into the street.

Neighbours in Wyatt Road spoke of their shock at the robbery as police carried out door-to-door inquiries last night.

Det Insp Steve Raffield said this type of incident was rare and people living nearby should not worry.

He said: “We are treating this matter very seriously due to the alleged use of a firearm, and we would urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible.”

The three men forced their way into the house at about 7pm, threatening the five occupants and demanding money.

The robbers fled after one of the victims drove away in a black Mercedes.

They are not thought to have got away with any money.

Neighbour Leena Wdowczyk, 31, said Wyatt Road was normally a quiet area.

She said: “A lot of people were talking about the robbery this morning and I know some saw the fight in the street.

“It is very scary to know that they had a gun. If that had accidentally fired who knows what could have happened.

“This is a nice place to live and we don’t really get any trouble, so I think people are shocked.”

All three of the raiders are described as white, about 5ft 8ins tall and aged in their late teens.

The first was of average build with ginger eyebrows, the second was thin and the third was also of average build.

Mr Raffield added: “Thankfully, this type of incident is very rare in Oxford and no-one was hurt.

“We have a team of detectives working on the case and will be going door-to-door in the area to speak to residents about what they might have seen or heard. The neighbourhood team has also been made aware and will be carrying out patrols of the area and offering reassurance to the local community.”

Another resident said: “I saw the police cars and wondered what was going on.

“There was a bit of a scuffle in the street and we heard raised voices.

“You shudder to think how much worse it could have been, especially because they had such dangerous weapons on them.”

Anyone with information should call the Oxford CID team on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.