POLICE have released e-fit images of three men they want to speak to as part of an investigation into a gang who targeted bitcoin traders in an Oxfordshire village.

A couple living in Moulsford were held at gunpoint on Monday, January 22, in what is thought to be Britain’s first digital currency heist.

Four masked robbers broke into a converted barn, off Reading Road, and reportedly forced a 30-year-old man and his 31-year-old female partner to transfer bitcoin funds while their baby was kept outside in a pram.

Police confirmed last week the transaction was not successful and the men fled empty-handed.

The force has now released e-fit images of three men they want to speak with as part of their aggravated burglary investigation.

The first man is described as black, approximately 19 years old, 6ft 1in, of an athletic/slim build and was wearing a dark blue sports jacket with distinctive white slashes across the shoulder and down one arm.

He was wearing similar colour trousers, but these were not a matching set. He was also wearing white shoes which made him stand out.

The second man is white, aged in his mid twenties, approximately 5ft 7ins, of slim build.

He had long patchy stubble and was wearing a small rucksack on his back.

The third man is black, aged in his mid twenties, and is taller than 6ft. He was wearing a black Puffa-style jacket.

The break-in happened at the rented barn at about 9.40am and it is understood the raiders got in after kicking down a door.

Police said the offenders threatened two men and a woman inside with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded one of the occupants transfer bitcoins electronically to another account.

A force spokesman said a male victim was 'struck on the head but was not seriously injured during the incident'.

He attended the John Radcliffe Hospital and was later discharged.

It is understood the residents, who have since moved out, run a digital currency company and the man was an experienced broker who had carried out more than 100,000 online trades.

Cryptocurrencies have been used by criminals because their trade is anonymous and they can be exchanged through online wallets and withdrawn as cash.

Bitcoin has experienced fluctuations in value - in September last year one bitcoin was worth £470 where as now it is just under £8,000.

Detective Sergeant Alan McIlwain, of Force CID based at Abingdon police station, said: "We are continuing to investigate this incident and would still like to speak to anyone who has any information about what happened.

"I would also like to appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, particularly after 10am on Monday 22 January, or who saw people who they believe may be the offenders enter or use a vehicle in the area.

"We are also interested in speaking to anyone who believes they recognise the men shown in these e-fit images as this could assist our investigation.

"No arrests have been made at this stage and anyone with any information relating to the incident is asked to call Thames Valley Police."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 43180021974, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.