Authorities say "serious questions need to be asked” after three suspected city stabbings in the space of 18 days have rocked Oxford.

An attempted murder investigation has been launched this week after police were called to reports of an altercation just off Cowley Road between 6.30pm and 7pm on Wednesday.

Worshippers at the Central Oxford Mosque gave first aid to the man who was said to have been stabbed nearby. 

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A spokesman for the mosque said: "When we went outside a young man said 'I've been stabbed' so we immediately brought him into the mosque to help him.

"He collapsed outside the mosque's front doors where we administered first aid with our trained first aiders."

It comes as Thames Valley Police announced on Thursday afternoon that a man in his 40s was believed to be in the alleyway between Cosin Close and Manzil Way with a suspect.

After a couple of minutes, both males returned to Manzil Way when the suspect "attacked the victim with a knife".

The victim went into the mosque where he received immediate first aid and an ambulance was called.

The victim is now in hospital in a stable condition as police appeal for information.

This comes after 32-year-old Tobias Bruce was stabbed, and later died, in Littlemore on February 25 before another man was stabbed in Barton less than a week later.

Oxford Mail: Forensics have been on scene.Forensics have been on scene. (Image: Ed Burnett.)

READ MORE: Oxford stabbing: Mosque ‘gives first aid to young victim’

Shaista Aziz, leader of the city council's Independent Group, had been at the Manzil Way mosque on the night of the latest incident, leaving a few minutes before “screeching” police cars hurtled down the road.

Ms Aziz said: “This is obviously very concerning for everybody in the city.

Oxford Mail: Police near the mosque on Thursday Police near the mosque on Thursday (Image: Ed Burnett, Newsquest)“Some serious questions need to be asked.

“Three suspected stabbings in a month is really horrifying.

Oxford Mail: Shaista Aziz.Shaista Aziz. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

“For this to be happening in a bustling part of the city and near a religious building is really scary for people.”

Oxford Mail: Forensics near the mosque on Thursday Forensics near the mosque on Thursday (Image: Newsquest)Jabu Nala-Hartley, councillor for the Barton and Sandhills ward, says community engagement is “paramount” and she is worried about people feeling as though they live in a “concrete jungle”.

Oxford Mail: Jabu Nala-Hartley hopes to transform this prison van to help victims of knife crime.Jabu Nala-Hartley hopes to transform this prison van to help victims of knife crime. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

Ms Nala-Hartley, whose son was stabbed last year, said: “Until we really address the root issues we will have these hotspot areas.

“Young people often feel as though they don’t have anywhere to go.

“It’s almost like being in a concrete jungle."

Police have said Wednesday's incident is "not being treated as a hate crime" and it is believed those involved were known to each other.

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds said: “I was very concerned to hear about a stabbing in the Manzil Way area.

Oxford Mail: Anneliese Dodds.Anneliese Dodds.

“This is the third incident of knife crime in Oxford in the last 18 days.

“I want to thank those at the central mosque who helped the stabbing victim, as well as emergency services.”

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran added: “At this distressing time for our whole community my thoughts are with the family of the victim and all those who worship at the Mosque and live in surrounding areas.

“I pay credit to our hardworking police force who have worked quickly and professionally throughout.”

Oxford Mail: Layla Moran.Layla Moran.

Police and crime commissioner for the Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, said concern is understandable but there should also be some reassurance offered.

“The long-term trend is that knife crime has fallen in the area," he added.

“Of course, each incident is tragic."

The lord mayor of Oxford, Lubna Arshad, said: "I'm deeply saddened to hear about the stabbing incident, especially during the month of Ramadan.

"My heartfelt wishes and numerous prayers along with the local community are with the victim for a swift and complete recovery.

Oxford Mail: Lubna Arshad.Lubna Arshad. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"May God grant strength and healing to all those affected, who are understandably shocked by this news.

"A sincere thank you to the Manzil Way mosque for their assistance to the injured individual, and gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response."

Those with information on Wednesday's incident should contact Thames Valley Police, either online or by calling 101, quoting the reference number 43240118465.