A MAN was held at knifepoint in an Oxford alleyway as robbers stole his phone and cash.

The 31-year-old was walking into an alleyway at the back of Kersington Crescent in Cowley on Tuesday night, when a man on a bike cycled in front of him and stopped.

A second man grabbed the victim from behind and threatened him with a knife before the pair swiped his mobile and money.

A third man was with them but did not take part in the robbery.

Thames Valley Police today appealed for witnesses of the ordeal near Barns Road.

The first man is described as stocky, 5ft 8ins, and was wearing a parka-style jacket with a white fur hood, dark PVC trousers and trainers.

The second was slim and around 5ft 7ins, wearing a black scarf, black raincoat with a hood, black gloves, dark tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

He was also wearing a white baseball cap and his face was covered.

The third man is described as skinny build and was wearing a black jacket.

Investigating officer PC Harriet Scroggs, of Local CID in Oxford, said: "I would ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or noticed anyone around the area at the time of the offence acting suspiciously, to come forward if they have any information."

Anyone who recognises description descriptions can call police on 101.