Two youths accused of attacking a Japanese student have been remanded in custody.

Kentaro Ikeda, 26, remains in a critical condition at the John Radcliffe Hospital with a fractured skull after he was found early on Thursday morning, on a cycle path near Ferry Road, Marston.

Craig Knowles, of Oxford Road in Marston, and Thomas Mack, of Nicholas Road in Marston, both 18 years old, appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court today.

They are both charged with robbery and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The court remanded the pair in custody to appear at Oxford Crown Court next Monday.

Oxford University graduate student Mr Ikeda, of Marston Road, was discovered unconscious and bleeding on the cycle route at 2am on Thursday.

His grey and black bike was stolen along with one green cycle bag and a rucksack.

The rucksack was later discovered abandoned around half-a-mile away in Rippington Drive, Marston.

Police have carried out a fingertip search of the area near where Mr Ikeda was discovered.

On Friday, officers found what they believed was the weapon used in the attack.

Mr Ikeda has lived in Oxford since November last year studying for his Masters degree at St Edmund College.

His mother has flown from Japan to be at his bedside at the John Radcliffe Hospital.