ONE man was taken to hospital and another was kicked in the face in Oxford city centre in the early hours of the morning.

Police have arrested two men in connection with the assaults in Queen Street that happened at around 3.40am on Tuesday. 

A 20-year-old man was sitting on the floor near the doorway of French Connection when a man ran up to him and assaulted him by kicking in the face, causing him minor injuries.

A friend of the victim, also a 20-year-old man, then intervened and he was assaulted by the offender and a group of his three friends.

He was punched in the face a number of times, causing him to fall to the ground.

He sustained a serious head injury and was taken to hospital for treatment, where he remains.

The two arrested are a 18-year-old man and a 20-year-old man who are both from Oxford.

The 18-year-old has been released on bail to appear at Abingdon police station on October 30 and the 20-year-old remains in police custody.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Emilie Tomann, based at Oxford police station, said: “These were two violent assaults which have resulted in one of the victims sustaining a serious head injury and requiring hospital treatment.

“I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed either of these offences, or who has any information which they think could help our investigation.

“If you have any details which you think could be relevant, please call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101 quoting reference 43180300114, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”