KNIFE-wielding robbers escaped with a “large sum” of cash following a raid on a discount shop.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident at the 99p Store in Bridge Street, Banbury.

Two masked men entered the building and approached the manager in his office at about 7.45pm on Monday, when staff were restocking shelves.

They threatened the manager with a knife and told him to open the safe.

The robbers left through the back of the shop with a large sum of cash, which they carried in bags marked with the logo ‘Loomis’.

One was described as black and the other Asian. Both wore dark clothing.

Investigating officer Dc Rebecca McCamley said: “This was a frightening ordeal for the manager of the store.

“It was at a time when many people would have been out in Banbury so we urge anyone with information to come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact Dc McCamley on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.