A teenager was attacked by two men in an unprovoked attack in Banbury town centre.

At about 5pm on Saturday, the 19-year-old victim was with friends outside the HMV store in Bridge Street, part of the Castle Quay shopping centre, when they were approached by two men, who began squirting water at them.

When the victim asked the men to stop they set upon him, punching him to the ground and kicking him repeatedly.

The men then left the scene but returned just minutes later to attack the victim for a second time, once again punching him to the ground and kicking him.

During the second attack, members of the public shouted at the offenders, who ran off in the direction of McDonald’s. As they ran off, a member of the public, described as a large-built man, caught one of the offenders in a headlock but he struggled free.

PC Steve Gilks said: “This was a mindless attack on a young man who we believe was picked on because of his clothing and the fact he had several facial piercings.

“During the first assault there were members of the public who stood by and watched it happen.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and make a stand against these attacks on a teenager, which were motivated solely by how he looked and what he was wearing.

“I am particularly keen to speak to the man who tried in vain to restrain one of the offenders as he may hold vital information.”

If you have information, please call PC Gilks via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.