TWO men armed with a machete and baseball bat forced their way into a home off Cowley Road.

Thames Valley Police said at about 11.20pm on Tuesday, the two men rang the doorbell of a house in James Street before a fight broke out between the victim and the men.

Officers said the man in the house managed to disarm the men who then fled the home empty-handed, but did suffer injuries to his hand.

Police said they also thought the offenders sustained injuries.

The first man is white, between 25 and 35 years old with an average build wearing a balaclava.

The second is also white, around 35 years old, about 5ft5in with a stocky build. He is also described as having short dark or sandy coloured hair with his face covered.

Det Con Emma Thompson from Oxford Force CID, said: "This was a frightening incident for the victim who fortunately was able to stop the offenders before they caused more serious injury to him.

"Detectives are investigating and we would like to speak with anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area of James Street or Denmark Street at around 11.30pm on Tuesday or anyone who has any information about this incident.

"We would like to encourage anyone who recognises the offenders to call us please on 101."