Police are appealing for witnesses to an armed robbery that happened today in Banbury.

At about 11.57am, four offenders entered Michael Jones jewellers, in High Street, and used an unknown implement to smash the glass display cabinets.

They stole jewellery including valuable watches before leaving in a green Volkswagen Golf.

The car has since been found in Canada Close, which is behind B&Q.

Det Insp Steve Duffy said: “I would like to reassure residents that we have a team of detectives working to identify the offenders.

“We know that the robbers left the shop and got into the car which was parked in Market Place before driving to Canada Close and abandoning it.

“It is possible that they then got into another car and I am keen to speak to anyone who might have seen where they went and what happened next. Canada Close is overlooked by offices and there must be someone who has information to help with our investigation.

“The car has been found abandoned in Merton Street and I urge anyone who may have seen these people in the area this morning, before or after the robbery occurred, or when they left the car, to get in touch.

“A woman was in the shop at the time of the robbery. She is aged in her mid twenties to early thirties with blonde shoulder length hair and was wearing white jeans, sunglasses, a white knitted top and a lime green blouse.

“I believe that this woman could help with our inquiries and would ask her, or anyone who saw this woman to come forward.”

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Det Insp Duffy at Banbury police station via 0845 8 505 505, or if you don’t want to talk to the police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

  • In 2007, five people were sentenced to a total of 45 years in prison for attacking Michael Jones jewellers in March 2007 and stealing watches worth almost £13,000.