ARMED robbers targeted three supermarkets in just five days in West Oxfordshire, police said.

In three separate attacks, thieves used a meat cleaver, a syringe and a screw driver to force frightened shop workers into handing over cash.

On Sunday, a man entered the Co-op in Shipton Road, Milton-under-Wychwood, at about 10pm and threatened staff with a screwdriver, before getting away with 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.

In Witney on Saturday at the Cogges Hill Road Tesco Express a man brandished a meat cleaver at staff and then sole cash. He was white and wore dark clothes and gloves.

Police have now also released details of a robbery 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 described as wearing a dark-coloured balaclava and dark clothes.

A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with the Fettiplace Road robbery and was bailed until September 12.

However, police said they were keeping an “open mind” on whether the robberies were linked.

Investigating officer, Det Insp Steve Raffield, from Banbury Force CID, said: “Extra patrols have been taking place in the areas affected and businesses have been offered crime prevention advice.”