RAIDERS used a Land Rover to pull a cashpoint machine from out of the shop, smashing glass window panes in Bicester before making off with a large amount of cash.

Police were called at 11.21pm on Wednesday night to Balfour Convenience Stores in Kingsley Road, Kings Meadow, after staff reported a gang attempting to steal the machine outside of the shop.

Two members of staff were in the back of the store cashing up for the night when they heard banging noises.

One went out and challenged two men who were interfering with the back of the machine.

But the raiders ignored him and he retreated back into the back room and locked the door behind him. Neither member of staff was threatened or hurt.

Det Con Jill Morton, of Thames Valley Police, said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the Kingsley Road area of Kings Meadow last night or may have witnessed this group making their escape.

"These offenders are obviously very determined, and whilst no specific threats were made to staff, the way in which they carried out their attack was very frightening.

"If anyone feels they may be able to help our investigation I would urge them to contact us as soon as possible."

The men used a silver Land Rover to pull the cashpoint from its casing where it stood just inside the front door. They then drove off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Police are working with staff at the store to establish the exact amount of cash taken but it is thought to be a significant amount.

It is believed that either three or four offenders were involved but descriptions are currently only available of the two men seen inside the store by the member of staff.

The first is 6ft, of medium build and wearing a red woollen hat over his face which had eyeholes cut into it.

The second is the same height, stockier than the first man, and wearing a black woollen hat over his face with eyeholes cut into it. Both men were wearing black clothing.

A spokesman for the owners, the Co-operative Group, said: "The police responded very quickly and we have given them CCTV film footage."

The store is part of the Balfour chain that has recently been bought by the Co-operative Group.

Anyone with information can contact Det Con Morton via the Police Enquiry Centre on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.