A trail of blood along an Oxford riverbank remains a mystery -- despite a massive police hunt.

Officers and the police helicopter searched the area along Botley Road, but found nothing.

At one stage Botley Road was sealed off by police between Seacourt Tower and the railway station.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, thought she heard gunshots from a playground area in the early hours of Saturday morning.

There were rumours of a falling-out among drug dealers, but police found no evidence of guns or drug involvement.

No-one was found during the search and there have been no reports from individuals or hospitals of anyone being seriously injured.

The blood was found by a man walking his dog. It went from Duke Street, off Botley Road, along the riverbank. Det Sgt Kevin Robinson appealed for help from the public.

He said: "Anyone who heard or saw anything in that area in the early hours of Saturday morning should contact us.

"And anyone out there concerned about the welfare of someone they know should do the same."

Oxford Insp Geoff Wooloff said: "We have heard nothing since the incident. It is all a bit of a mystery."

Det Sgt Robinson can be contacted on 01865 266333.