A man has suffered serious injuries this morning after being stabbed in the chest and back in Bicester.

Between 5.45am and 6.10am this morning a disorder occurred involving a number of people in Sheep Street and Market Square in the town.

During this altercation, the victim, a 19-year-old man, was stabbed a number of times in the chest and back, causing significant injuries.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where he remains with serious, but not life-threatening injuries at this time.

Five people, four men aged between 26 and 42 and a woman aged 27, have been arrested in connection with this incident and all remain in police custody.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses in relation to the incident.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Robert Platt, of Banbury CID, said: “This was a significant incident of disorder, but we believe this to have been spontaneous and therefore an isolated incident.

“I understand that incidents such as this cause concern, but I would like to reassure the local community that we have made arrests and are progressing our investigation.

“There were scene-watches in place in the local area, but these have now been lifted.

“I would appeal to anybody who was in the area this morning and witnessed this incident to please contact the force, either online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43210456411.

“Alternatively, for 100 per cent anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“There will be an increased presence of officers in the area while our investigation continues and in the coming days, and so please do not hesitate to speak to one of our officers with any information or concerns that you may have.”