Woman slashed in bungled burglary

The burglars threatened the family with a gun and a knife

A woman was slashed with a knife and her partner hit on the head with a pistol by would-be burglars in Oxfordshire.

Three men forced their way in to the couple's house in Crabtree Road, Botley on Wednesday morning and demanded cash.

The couple were assaulted before the trio left empty-handed. Their teenage son was also threatened.

The man and woman were taken the John Radcliffe Hospital where they received treatment for their injuries.

The man carrying a gun was wearing a balaclava and is about 6ft 3in.

A second man, who was armed with a knife, is white, about 5ft 6in, and is described as having a small head, with close-set eyes.

He was wearing a dark hooded top and had a scarf covering his face.

The third offender is about 5ft 7in, mixed race, aged in his mid-20s and was wearing dark clothing including a hooded top.

Ch Insp Andy Boyd, said: "We are treating this crime very seriously but we would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident and we are confident that we will find those responsible."