ROBBERS forced their way into a newsagents and threatened the 72-year-old owner with a screwdriver and a spade.

The burglary happened at Tower News, in Alvescot Road, Carterton, yesterday morning.

At around 6am three men forced their way into the newsagents, where the owner was working inside the shop.

The men asked where the safe was in the shop, but were told that there was not one.

They threatened the man with a screwdriver and a spade and stole about £800 of cigarettes from the shelves, as well as £80 in cash from the tills.

The thieves then ran off on foot towards the town centre car park.

Detective Constable Mick Jenks said: “Fortunately the occupant wasn’t seriously injured, but this was still a nasty incident and the burglars used weapons to threaten the occupant.

“It is possible these thieves could have been opportunists, as they were not very prepared to carry the stolen items away.

“Although we are still in the early stages of the investigation, I am keen to speak to anyone who might have any information that could help with my inquiries.

“I’d like to ask residents to keep an eye out for the spade and screwdriver which were used as weapons and check their sheds and outhouses in case these items are missing.

“If you saw any suspicious activity in Carterton in the early hours of yesterday morning, I urge you to contact me.”

All three men are described as white, about 5ft 11ins to 6ft and were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

The first man was carrying a spade, the second man a Phillips screwdriver and the third was holding a tool.

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Jenks at Witney police station on 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.