BUNGLING thieves dropped the cash they had just stolen from a bank customer who had withdrawn a “large sum” of money.

Three men followed the victim into Barclays Bank, in Broad Street, Banbury, on Monday, at 11.45am and watched as he withdrew money.

He was followed to his car, which was also parked in Broad Street, and one of the men told the victim his tyre had suffered a puncture.

The victim threw the envelope containing cash onto the driver’s seat and walked around to inspect the damage. As he walked around the car another of the men opened the door and grabbed the cash and all the thieves ran off.

Inspector Neville Clayton said: “One of the offenders was confronted by a member of the public and at this point the offender dropped the packet of money and also dropped a knife.

“The knife and the packet of money have been recovered by police for forensic investigation.

“This is of great concern to us as they had followed a member of the public who was withdrawing cash from the bank going about his business.

“They were armed with a knife, which they did not use or threaten to use in this incidence, but the fact that they had such a weapon on them is of great concern.”

Police released pictures of three men they want to speak to.

Anyone with information can call them on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.