Police have removed a cordon surrounding an Oxford bank raided by an armed gang this morning.

Four masked men robbed security guards at the Abbey bank in Banbury Road, Summertown, at about 5.30am.

Forensics teams and scenes-of-crime officers scoured the bank and a Group 4 Securicor van parked outside.

They took a number of items away to be analysed.

Police removed the cordon around the bank at about 11.15am.

Four men are now being hunted by police after they threatened two security men and hit one of them, causing a minor injury to his head.

The gang made off with a substantial amount of cash.

Acting Det Insp Kevin Elkins, leading the investigation, said: "We believe the offenders made off in a white Corsa van towards Woodstock Road, and I appeal for anyone who saw that vehicle or anything else suspicious around that time to contact me immediately.

"The men were armed with what is believed to be handguns, but no shots were fired."

The four men had their faces covered. One is black, the other three are white.

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.