Appeal for witnesses following attempted robbery – Oxford

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

At around 2.30pm on Friday (8/11), the female victim was cycling along the river Thames towpath from Kennington Road to Folly Bridge.

Approximately 200 metres from the small footbridge just before the Folly Bridge crossing, the offender blocked her path with an e-scooter and gestured for her to stop.

The victim had headphones in and so stopped the music and got off her bike.

The offender has then grabbed the victim to her upper body, possibly in an attempt to take her rucksack.

The victim kicked out at the offender and made an escape. Nothing was stolen, and the victim was not injured.

The offender is described as an Asian man, aged in his thirties or forties with a skinny build.

He was around 6ft to 6ft 2ins tall with a large nose, and was wearing a black coat with his hood up, black jeans and was on a black e-scooter.

He spoke with possibly a northern accent.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Lisa Jones of Oxford CID said: “This incident has occurred in the middle of the afternoon along the Thames towpath.

“I am appealing to anybody who witnessed this incident, or who may have mobile phone footage or any information that may assist this investigation to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police.

“You can make a report online or by calling us on 101, quoting reference 43240541345.

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

KB