Police are appealing for witnesses after a "a brutal, cowardly attack" on a 38 year-old man.

He was assaulted in Littlemore, Oxford, early on Sunday at about 2am. Police were called to a parade of shops in St Nicholas Road where the man had been hit from behind with an unknown weapon, and repeatedly kicked in the head while on the floor.

He was taken to the John Racliffe Hospital where he was treated for head and facial injuries, including eight stitches to a split lip. He has since been discharged.

PC Ben Turner from Oxford police said: "This assault occurred in a built up area where there are lot properties overlooking the crime scene. If you live locally and saw or heard anything on Sunday morning, please get in touch.

"We believe the attacker knew his victim. This was a brutal, cowardly attack and we are determined to prosecute the man who did this."

Information should be passed to PC Turner on 0845 8 505 505, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.