A MAN was punched in the face in an Oxford alleyway by a robber who stole his phone.

The attack happened in Bulwarks Lane in the city centre at about 1.35am on Friday, in which the 21-year-old victim suffered a bruised nose.

The lane runs between George Street and New Road, and concerns have previously been raised about the rate of crime there.

The victim was approached by another man from behind, who then stopped in front of him and punched him in the face.

The robber grabbed the victim’s mobile phone before running off in the direction of Park End Street, police said.

In an appeal for witnesses today, police said the robber was described as an Asian man who was carrying a bag.

He was between 5ft 9ins and 6ft tall and had short dark hair. 

The victim did not require hospital treatment.

Investigating officer, PC Dan Hayward of the Investigation Hub in Oxford, said: “There were lots of members of public in the city centre enjoying a night out, so it’s possible someone saw something unusual or suspicious.

"Someone may have seen the offender running from the scene in Bulwarks Lane in the direction of Park End Street."

Anyone with information has been asked to call 101 quoting reference number 43180326862, or report details via the force's website.

In 2008 Oxfordshire County Council proposed closing Bulwarks Lane between dawn and dusk using gates, after a spate of assaults, muggings and drug deals.

The idea was reviewed in 2010, however, after a reduction in crime and the withdrawal of support from Nuffield College, and the council decided not to go ahead with the closure. 

In February police appealed for information after a man was punched in the head in the lane in December, knocking out several of his teeth.

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In 2014 police investigated an alleged rape in the alleyway, but dropped the case after concluding that no crime had taken place.