Three robberies in West Oxfordshire in the space of five days have prompted police to step up patrols.

Thames Valley Police said the latest robbery took place on Sunday at a Co-op in Shipton Road, Milton-under-Wychwood, at about 10pm.

A man entered the store and threatened staff with a screwdriver, before stealing cash.

He was said to be white, 5ft 10ins, in his twenties and had a moustache. Police said he was wearing a grey hooded top covering his face and dark-coloured shorts.

It followed two robberies in Witney, the second on Saturday at the Cogges Hill Road Tesco Express, and the first on Wednesday at the Tesco Express in Fettiplace Road.

In the robbery in Cogges Hill Road a man brandished a meat cleaver at staff and then steal cash.

The man was white and wore dark clothes and gloves.

And police have also released details of the incident on Wednesday, when a man wearing a balaclava entered the Tesco Express in Fettiplace Road carrying a syringe.

The robber walked to the tills and jumped over the counter while members of staff fled and stole cash.

He was also described as wearing a dark-coloured balaclava and dark clothes.

But police have stopped short of linking the incidents.

Investigating officer, Det Insp Steve Raffield, from Banbury Force CID, said: “I would like to speak to any witnesses to any of these incidents or anyone with any information about them as they could help with our enquiries.

“At this time we are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked.

“Detectives are currently working to establish the circumstances of the incidents and to identify offenders.

“Extra patrols have been taking place in the areas affected and businesses have been offered crime prevention advice.”

Those with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.