A NEWSAGENT is in hospital after being injured in an armed robbery of his shop in Cowley Road, Littlemore, this afternoon. 

At around 12.30pm two men entered the newsagents. One of the men, armed with a large knife, demanded the shopkeeper hand over the contents of the till.

A dispute followed during which the man was injured. The two men left the shop, taking the till with them and leaving the scene on bicycles.

The first man is described as white, of medium build, shorter than 5ft 9ins and was wearing a dark brown hood over his head, with ash coloured woollen face covering exposing only his eyes, and a dark brown long sleeved top and trousers.

The second man is described as white, of slim build, over 5ft 9ins, his face covered with only eyes exposed and armed with a hammer.

Investigating officer, Det Sgt Mike West of Oxfordshire Force CID said: “The investigation is in the early stages and rapidly progressing. At this time it is focussed on locating the offenders.

“The incident happened during the daytime in a busy location and we have had several witnesses come forward already. I would encourage anyone with information that can assist our investigation to come forward.”

The shopkeeper received injuries to his forearm and knee and was taken to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital for treatment.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or with any information that can assist the investigation to contact Oxford Force CID on the non-emergency number 101.