A MASKED man grasping a knife raided an Oxford betting shop and fled with a bag full of cash. 

The armed robber wearing a black face covering targeted Betfred in Headington's Cherwell Drive at about 7.50pm on Friday.

He wielded his weapon as he approached the counter and demanded staff locked the door.

He jumped over the counter, grabbed the woman cashier's arm and shoved her towards the safe.

The robber piled cash into a black and white drawstring bag before running out of the building.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for information about the man, who was mixed race and wearing a black covering over his face and part of his neck.

He was wearing a black hoody with the hood up, navy jogging bottoms and light material gloves.

The investigating officer Det Con Charles Ellis of Force CID said: “I would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, particularly the regular customer who was in the building at the time of the incident."

Anyone who recognises the description of the man can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.