A man brandished a blow torch at a member of staff working at a service station just outside Witney.

At 1.25am on Thursday, June 11, the man attempted to get into the Shell petrol station in Ducklington Lane next to the A40.

He tried to kick his way through a plate glass door but when this failed, he pulled out a blow torch and waved it in front of a member of staff working behind the after-hours service window.

He demanded money from the 49-year-old member of staff, who fled to the service station staff room.

The man then fled the scene.

Nothing was stolen and the member of staff did not sustain any injuries.

The man was stocky and about 5ft 8ins. He was wearing a black balaclava, a black jacket that came to the waist and a brown satchel over his shoulder.

Investigating officer, Det Con Paddy O’Grady of Force CID based at Banbury, said: “If you recognise the description of the offender or have any other information about the incident then I would urge you to contact the police via 101.

“This was a frightening experience for the victim, but I would like to reassure the public that we are conducting a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrator to justice.”