A MAN was attacked by a stranger outside a busy row of shops.

Between 9.40pm and 10pm on Friday, the man – aged 47 – was hit over the head outside Spar in Underhill Circus, Barton, in what police have described as a ‘targeted’ ambush after an ‘altercation’.

He fell to the ground and hit his head after police think he was either hit or pushed. There is no evidence that a weapon was involved.

He is now being treated in hospital. Officers say the injury is 'serious' but that he is in a stable condition. 

The offender is described as a white man in a dark-coloured T-shirt.

Although people in Oxford do not need to be worried, investigators are desperately hunting for witnesses who were inside the Spar shop or saw something happen.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector James Mather, of Oxford CID, said: “This was an incident of assault whereby the victim has fallen to the floor and struck his head.

“As a result of his injury, he currently remains in hospital being treated.

“I am appealing to anybody who was in the vicinity of the Spar shop on Friday evening who believes that they witnessed this incident to please contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or online, quoting reference number 43220301520.

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

“Although in the early stages of this investigation, we believe this may be a targeted assault following an altercation, and as such, we do not believe there to be a wider risk to the local community.

“If you have any information that can assist this investigation, please get in touch with police.”

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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