A man was stabbed in the face in a brutal late-night attack in Oxford city centre.

The 23-year-old man suffered a broken nose and a wound needing 20 stitches after being punched in the face by his attacker who had a blade between his fingers.

The attack happened at about 2.30am last Saturday. Police only released details today.

The man was with a friend talking to two girls at the junction of Park End Street and Hollybush Row when the fight broke out.

Dc Melanie Steel, of Oxford CID, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a vicious and brutal attack which is totally unacceptable.

"I appeal to people who were out in town that night to please get in touch if they saw anything which might assist me in tracking down the person responsible.

"I also make a personal appeal to the two girls, who clearly saw this take place, to contact me as soon as possible."

The attacker is described as white, aged between 23 and 26, about 5ft 11in, slim, with short brown hair.

He was wearing a blue and white striped, long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans and black shoes.

Witnesses, or anyone with information about the attack, should call Dc Steel on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.