Police have acted to reassure the community on knife crime after two stabbings within a week in Oxford.

It comes after police have responded to serious incidents in Cowley Road in Littlemore on Sunday and in Edgecombe Road in Barton on Thursday night. 

Tobias Bruce, 33, died in hospital as a result of the first stabbing as police investigate the two incidents. 

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Thames Valley Police said it is "keeping an open mind" with regards to a connection between the two. 

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "At present, we do not believe the incidents to be linked, although naturally, we are keeping an open mind with regards to this while our investigation continues."

Following the incidents, local policing commander for Oxford, Superintendent Bruce Riddell has reassured the community.

He said: “I understand that the recent news of two incidents in Oxford involving knives will undoubtedly have caused concern amongst the local community.

“Firstly, my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“You will see an increased police presence in both Littlemore and Barton throughout today and over the weekend.

Oxford Mail: Police in Barton on Friday morning Police in Barton on Friday morning (Image: Christ Church/Dorchester Residential Management)

"Please feel free to approach officers if you are concerned, they are there to assist you." 

He added: “It is important to stress that at present, we do not believe the incidents to be linked, although naturally, we will keep an open mind while our investigation continues.

“I would like to reassure you that we take robust action against those found to be carrying and using knives in Oxford and we will investigate thoroughly to seek to prosecute those involved.

“We have strong relationships with our partner agencies in the city and continue to work with them on additional powers to tackle knife crime.

"This can include housing enforcement action, Criminal Behaviour Orders or Serious Violence Reduction Orders on conviction, which can place restrictions on those who are found to perpetrate violence.

"As part of our work to actively pursue offenders, Operation Deter is in place across the city, which adopts a zero tolerance approach to knife possession offences in Oxford.

“The community play a vital part in helping us to tackle knife crime. We need information about people carrying knives in the area so we can bring these offenders to justice.

"You can contact us by reporting online via our website, calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

"Alternatively, you can report information 100 per cent anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website."