A TEENAGER is in hospital with serious head injuries after a gang set upon him with a hammer in East Oxford.

Police have reassured neighbours that the brutal attack was an 'isolated incident', after the 16-year-old was chased down and beaten by several men.

The victim was waiting at a bus stop in St Clements when a car pulled up beside him at 4.40pm on Thursday, police said. 

He was approached by a passenger of the dark people-carrier, possibly a Volkswagen Touran, before he ran to Rectory Road and was assaulted by a number of men.

Police believe there were five or six attackers aged between 18 and 20-years-old.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one witness who saw the men running into Rectory Road said: "I heard a bang and people shouting, when they knocked over a wheelie bin by the bus stop.

Oxford Mail:

  • The bus stop in St Clement's Street, East Oxford

"Some guys jumped out of the car and then they were chasing someone.

"It was crazy, and quite scary really, I've never seen anything like it."

A 38-year-old woman, who also asked not to be named, described the scene after the attack when a large group of people came to help the victim of the attack. 

She said: "I was walking down the road a few minutes after it happened and there was a huge crowd. 

"He was just a boy, but he was in a real mess and slumped up against a wall.

"There was a lot of blood and it looked like he had suffered life-changing injuries."

Paramedics got to the scene "very quickly", she said, and were treating the boy there for about 45 minutes. 

The woman added: "It was really awful. I hope he gets better."

Oxford Mail:

  • The entrance to Rectory Road, off St Clement's Street

South Central Ambulance spokesman David Gallagher said the attack was called in by a neighbour who witnessed the attack.

The victim is being treated at the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington, for his head injuries.

Investigating officer PC Laura Oakes, based at St Aldates police station, said: "We are carrying out a thorough investigation and at this stage we believe this is an isolated incident.

"This took place on a busy street and I would like to hear from anyone who recognises the description of the offenders or of the car.

"If you have any information at all relating to this incident please contact me."

The passenger who initially approached the victim is described as an Asian man, 6ft 3ins tall, of slim build and with short black hair.

He was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms with elasticated ankles and a grey tracksuit top with dark grey arms.

Those with information should call 101.