SUSPECTED criminals are currently being housed in two bail hostels in Oxford – but officials will not identify where they are.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed it has two premises in the city, run along the same lines as the proposed hostel in Headley Way, Headington.

But it has refused to reveal the locations, saying they are “private rental homes”.

The news comes days after residents protested against plans for the hostel at 30 Headley Way. It would be run by the Bail Accommodation and Support Service.

Ministry spokesman Suzanne Colley said it would not reveal where the existing hostels were located.

She said: “BASS properties are private residences intended for people who are considered by the courts to be eligible for release on bail, but who do not have a suitable address to be bailed to.

“Those assessed as high-risk or charged or convicted of sex offences cannot be placed in these properties. Service users are liable to recall to prison or the courts if they break the terms of their release.”

Headington county councillor Altaf Khan said: “This is obviously ridiculous. People have a right to know if bail hostels are operating within residential neighbourhoods.”

Meanwhile, the owner of Mo 30 Headley Way has instructed Penny & Sinclair estate agents to try to cancel the contract she signed with Stonham, which manages the hostels for the ministry.

Spokesman Wendy Sinclair said: “She has signed the contract but has now instructed us to try to cancel it.”