A ROBBER smashed through a man’s car window and hit him with a snooker cue before stealing the vehicle, driving it away and setting it alight.

The 22-year-old victim was driving a grey Skoda Fabia down Between Towns Road, Cowley, between 12.30am and 1am on Friday (Aug28) when a man walked up to the car brandishing what appeared to be a stick.

Thames Valley Police said the robber smashed the driver’s side window and hit the man with his stick.

The victim got out of the car and ran away, but was chased by the attacker until he jumped into a taxi.

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It is believed the attacker then returned to the abandoned Skoda and drove it away, heading along Cowley Road towards the city centre, the force said.

The victim was not injured and his car was later found destroyed in Cottesmore Road, Rise Hill, after it was dumped, doused in petrol and set alight.

Police are hunting the attacker, who is described as being 6ft, of medium build and aged between 20 and 21.

Investigating officer PC Hannah Cormack said the weapon was believed to be a snooker cue, and is appealing for witnesses who may have seen the car thief leaving nearby Rileys Pool and Snooker Club.

She added: “I would like to speak to any witnesses who may have been in Rileys snooker hall in Between Towns Road before the incident or in the area at the time.

“There is believed to have been another man with the offender, travelling in a black Volkswagen Golf, and I would like anyone with any information about who the offenders may be to speak to police.

“I would also like to appeal for any witnesses who saw the stolen grey Skoda Fabia being set alight in Cottesmore Road later the same day.

“It is believed this was caused by pouring petrol into the vehicle before setting it alight.”

Witnesses should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.