These are the faces of some of the most wanted criminals in Oxford, including a knife-point robber and a shoplifter.

Police tonight released these images and an e-fit picture to appeal for information from readers of the Oxford Mail.

The e-fit image is of a man who tried to rob a woman at knife-point shortly after midnight on January 29 in Marston Road, near the Islamic Centre.

Dc Ian Spencer, of Oxford robbery team, said: "This man cycled up behind her and tried to snatch her rucksack. The woman resisted and they both fell to the ground.

"A passing man stopped to help her and they both ran away chased by this robber on his bike brandishing a long knife. They managed to flag down a passing car and the female driver let them jump in."

He is described as being of South East Asian appearance or mixed race, in his early 20s, about 5ft 9in tall, and of medium build. He was riding a black mountain bike.

Officers have also been unable to trace the woman driver, who may have been a student, and appealed for her to come forward.

Another image shows a man wanted by police for rifling through a staff area at Wagamama restaurant in Market Street at 8.30pm on December 15. Police believe he stole cash and credit cards from lockers.

A third wanted man is captured on camera entering Currys in Horspath Driftway, Headington, on December 17.

He is seen walking up to the digital phone stand, taking a cordless phone worth £80, and running from the shop.

Police also want information on a man caught filling up a Citroen Saxo with petrol at the BP garage, in Woodstock Road, last November, before driving away without paying.

His car had number plates which had been stolen from a Citroen Xsara car in nearby Five Mile Drive earlier in the day, so he could not be traced.

A police spokesman said: "This may seem like a minor crime, but stolen number plates are used in all sorts of crimes - from avoiding speed camera fines to armed robbery - and this man could be involved in other criminality."

The car's stolen number plate was T973 UDU.

Call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.