Police believe a woman who was inside a jewellery shop while it was raided by a gang earlier today may hold vital information.

Four hooded robbers stole watches from a glass cabinet at Michael Jones jewellers in High Street, Banbury, shortly before midday, before leaving in a green Volkswagen Golf which was parked in Market Place.

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

Detectives are trying to trace a woman who they believe witnessed the raid.

Det Insp Steve Duffy said: “A woman was in the shop at the time of the robbery. She is in her mid-20s to early-30, 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.”

No-one was injured in the robbery.

Mr Duffy added: “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.

“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.”

Any witnesses should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.