An Oxford MP has condemned the stabbing of a man who intervened in a brawl as 'sickening'.

Andrew Smith, MP for Oxford East, has called on people living in Blackbird Leys to pull together to address the culture of youths carrying knives following the horrific attack in the centre of the estate.

He said: "This incident outlines the importance of everyone - parents, shops, schools and youth leaders and the police - making it clear that it is not acceptable to carry knives to threaten and maim people."

Victim Roy Sinclair, 38, from Windrush Tower in Blackbird Leys Road, was knifed outside his home at around 7pm on Thursday evening, after intervening in a brawl.

He was stabbed twice - suffering a punctured lung and an injury to his kidney which required an emergency operation.

Mr Sinclair today remains in a stable condition at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington.

He is able to talk and was interviewed by police on the night of the stabbing.

One family member said: "He is talking but he is taking a lot of painkillers because he is in a lot of pain. He is not breathing properly.

"I have been up to see him but I cannot stay in the room. It is so horrible to see him in that situation. Hopefully he will get better soon.

"My family is not coping too well. We are all trying to be strong for each other. I am trying to be brave."

Mr Smith said he had spoken to Oxford police commander Brendan O'Dowda about the incident and added: "It was a terrible attack which sickened decent people on Blackbird Leys and I would appeal for any witnesses or anybody with information to go to the police.

"It is right that the community should be shocked when this sort of thing happens.

"Blackbird Leys is a good community. It is a strong community. We have seen this thing before but we do not let it destroy our pride in the community. We must all pull together against this horrific crime."

Det Sgt Russell Simpsoncorr, who is leading the investigation, said: "There were a lot of people in the area at the time who would have witnessed the incident and could hold vital information.

"We would ask these people to come forward and speak to us."

Two 16-year-old boys, a 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy who were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent following the incident have been bailed until Friday, September 21.

A 17-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and for possession of an offensive weapon is due to answer bail on Monday, September 3.

If you have any information call Det Sgt Simpson at St Aldate's police station on 08458 505 505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.