A Littlemore shop manager has spoken out and urged vigilance after three masked men raided his shop wielding knives in a ‘scary’ attack.

Police have now linked two robberies in the city where masked men entered two shops armed with weapons including a large knife.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after the two robberies which took place last month.

The first robbery took place at 9.50pm on November 24 at the VCR Food and Wine store at Oxford Road, Littlemore.

The second happened on Wednesday November 30 at the Londis store at Marston Road.

In both incidents three young men entered the stores armed with weapons including a large knife.

All the offenders had their faces covered and were wearing gloves. In both robberies the offenders stole bottles of Jack Daniels before fleeing.

Store manager at VCR Food and Wine Antonet Valentine, 56, warned that there had been a spike in shoplifting in the area but that robberies were rare.

Recalling the incident he said: "Three people rushed into the shop, one man was carrying a big knife and went to the alcohol area.

"One of them asked me if I would open the till and took some money.

"Then one of them tried to grab the instant lottery tickets before they left.

"The whole thing lasted about two minutes.

"I was very scared and I am relieved that I am OK. I called the police and they came immediately - in about five minutes."

The manager who has run the shop for the last eight years said that this is the third time he has been the victim of a robbery there.

He added: "I feel a little scared but I will be more vigilant, I try to avoid trouble.

"Before it happened every day a shop here is being broken into. This year it has happened something like 50 times. It is 16-20 year olds mainly.

"The police said they are looking at the CCTV, they said they hope they might find them.

"I would say to others to be very vigiliant at this time of year to stay safe."

Investigating officer Det Sgt Kevin Parsons said: "I would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened or anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area of the two shops at around the time of the robberies.

"Thankfully no one was injured during the incidents however the members of staff were understandably concerned by the incidents.

"I would also like to appeal to anyone who has any information which could assist the investigation to come forward and speak to police."

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.