Appeal for witnesses following an assault – Oxford

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an assault in Oxford.  

The incident occurred around 11.45pm on Friday (17/6) along the Abingdon Road, travelling out of the City Centre.

Following a verbal altercation at another location, a man was walking along the pathway by the riverside with three friends, when the offender, who was with two other people, sprayed the victim in the face with an unknown substance, which caused irritation and discomfort.

The substance is believed to be pepper spray but this is unconfirmed. There were no lasting injuries to the victim and this was not a corrosive substance.

The first offender is described as a white boy around 17 years old and 6ft tall. He had an athletic build with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.

The second offender is described as white boy around 15 years old, 5ft 6inches tall with a skinny build. He had dark hair with a fringe, a black scarf covering his mouth and nose and was wearing dark clothing.

The third offender is described as a white boy around 16 years old and 6ft tall. He has a slim build.

One of the offenders was on an orange mountain bike.

Investigating officer PC Jamie Moya-Flood, based at Cowley police station, said: “I would like to appeal to anybody who may have been in this area during this time and witnessed anything or have any dash cam footage to please get in touch.

“You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220266407.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

RW