A cyclist was punched in the face in what police are calling a racially motivated attack.

A 21-year-old man was cycling along the pavement in Gatteridge Street in the centre of Banbury on Saturday when he passed two men walking in the opposite direction at 5pm.

One of the men punched the cyclist in the face causing injuries to his eye, arm and finger.

He was taken to the Horton General Hospital and released after treatment.

Thames Valley Police said the attacker was white, in his mid-20s, 6ft 2ins, of stocky build with blond hair and a full beard.

He was wearing a brown leather jacket, which has a collar, blue baggy jeans and white trainers. He also wore a gold chain.

His companion is described as white, about 30 years old, 5ft 4ins, of skinny build with light brown hair thinning on top and facial stubble. He had round-framed glasses and is missing one of his front teeth. He was wearing black, baggy jeans, a white T-shirt which had a collar and white trainers with Velcro fastening.