A man needed hospital treatment after helping a woman who was being attacked by a gang of youths near Banbury railway station.

The man, aged 42, was knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked by the gang, police said today.

He was taken to the Horton Hospital, where he received medical attention.

A car park security guard who tried to intervene was punched in the face.

The woman, 24, was in Station Approach, near the Tramway junction, at 7.15pm on Tuesday when she was assaulted by the youths after refusing to give them cigarettes.

Fifteen minutes later, the gang approached a 20-year-old man who was walking towards the railway station with his girlfriend and asked him for cigarettes.

The group attacked the couple, punching and head-butting the man several times before police arrived.

A boy and a girl, both aged 17, were arrested at the scene.

Two males - aged 17 and 24 - were arrested a short while later after running away from the incident.

Another 17-year-old girl was detained on Wednesday.

All five have since been released on police bail pending further investigation.

Pc Rebecca McCamley, from Banbury police, said: "These were totally unprovoked, vicious, and continued attacks on people simply going about their business in what is otherwise a safe area.

"We will not tolerate this sort of mindless and savage behaviour in our community."

Anyone with information about the attacks is urged to contact PC McCamley on 08458 505505, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Information can also be given at any police station.