Metal thieves stripped an entire road of its iron drain covers - leaving dangerous gaping holes in the road.

Police believe the disappearance of 25 grilles from a mile and a half stretch of the A4095 between Bampton and Clanfield is linked to a spate of thefts driven by crooks cashing in on the high value of scrap metal.

The missing iron drain covers - each weighing up to 20kg - will be replaced by Oxfordshire County Council at a cost of £3,000.

The council has already replaced five of the covers and is warning people to take care near the remaining holes which have been marked with cones.

Bampton resident Don Rouse said: "It is very worrying. Lots of people cycle between Bampton and Clanfield. You could get a horse's foot trapped and break a leg. These thieves are very dangerous."

Bampton Parish Council chairman Fred Gray said: "I am surprised they have gone to this extent to prise them out.

"It looks like they are just grabbing anything they can. Hopefully after this, if people see a vehicle acting suspiciously at night, they may think about what happened here and phone the police."

Ian Hudspeth, the county's cabinet member for transport, said: "Thieves are robbing the taxpayer of basic facilities and money.

"Needless to say, the police have been informed and we sincerely hope that they catch the culprits."

Detectives are not sure when the drain covers were stolen, but they were reported missing on Thursday.

It is the first time drain covers have been reported stolen in Oxfordshire.

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.