A MAN threatened students with a 'large kitchen knife' as they walked through a residential Oxford street.

The early-morning ordeal happened at about 2.20am yesterday, in Barracks Lane in Cowley, but the would-be robber fled empty-handed after the victims refused his demands.

The four men, all students, were walking near an alley leading to Turner Close when they were approached.

Police said the offender pulled out the large knife and asked them to hand over their belongings, but 'left the area' when they declined him and walked away. 

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Officers launched a witness appeal today and described the man as of Indian or Arabic origin, aged in his mid-20s.

He was about 5ft 8ins tall with a slim build, and had black stubble or a goatee-style beard.

He was wearing a black Nike hooded top with a white stripe on the arms and matching bottoms with a strip down the legs.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Marc Robinson, of local area CID based at Oxford station, said: "This was a frightening ordeal for all of the victims, but thankfully, none of them were injured and nothing was stolen.

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"This incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, and I am appealing to anybody who believes they witnessed it, or who may know the identity of the offender, to contact police.

"We are investigating the circumstances thoroughly, and I would urge anyone with any information to call 101, quoting reference number 43190104041.

"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make a report online."

Barracks Lane stretches for one mile between Bartlemas Close and Hollow Way, and is home to two schools.