Armed robbers raided a café popular with BMW Mini workers today.

The raiders ambushed the owner of Johnson's Café in Garsington Road, as he opened up at 5am, and one of three men threatened him with a large knife, according to Thames Valley Police.

Claire Gourlay, a spokesman for Oxford Police, said: "They went in just as the café was opening. They threatened the owner and took £100 money, 2,000 cigarettes worth and left. They left in the owner's red Nissan van."

Anyone with any information about the robbery, or anyone who has seen the van - registration W554 CBW - leaving the café, or abandoned in the area, should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The café was founded by Len Johnson and to this day its interior is decorated with bold murals of early speedway stars. In the past it fed many thousands of Morris Motors workers.

Len's son Joe Johnson was an international motocross star in the 1960s until he settled down to take over the family café. The café remains in the family today.