A SHOPKEEPER scuppered a would-be armed robber in an incident which could have been far more serious.
A man armed with a knife walked into A&Y Grocers in Broad Street, Banbury at about 6pm yesterday (Monday) and threatened a male member of staff.
When the staff member tried to protect himself with a chair, the offender attacked him and the two men
ended up fighting.
In the scuffle that followed the offender punched the member of staff in the head. He eventually fled the scene empty-handed when the staff member pulled a cream-coloured hooded top off the offender.
The victim was left with a number of superficial injuries to his hands, arms and forehead.
The robber is described as a white male, in his early twenties, of stocky build, with short blonde spiky hair. He was clean shaven and had a light complexion. He was wearing a blue T-shirt, blue faded jeans and was wearing a cream hooded top until it was pulled off in the shop.
DC Mike West from Banbury CID is investigating the attempted robbery and said: "Although the victim escaped without serious injury, he has been left shaken by this incident.
"I am concerned it could have been far more serious.
"It appears that the offender entered the shop with a knife and with the intention of committing a robbery.
"He was extremely threatening and used violence against the victim. It is important we catch this individual before he attempts the same thing again.
"I would appeal for anyone who was in the Broad Street area yesterday evening and who saw anyone who matches this description, or anyone who was acting suspiciously, to contact me on 0845 8 505 505.
"Alternatively, if you would prefer to give information anonymously or without speaking to a police officer, you can phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."
