A city carnival Facebook page has been hacked by "loons" with the name being changed to an unusual alternative.

Admins of the Cowley Road Carnival social media page have been left perplexed after hackers gained access to the account but did not change anything except the account name.

The name now reads "Decent Professional Media Posts" and carnival trustees have complained to Facebook.

Oxford Mail: The hacked Facebook page.The hacked Facebook page. (Image: Other.)

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Zaheer Qureshi, who has been director of the carnival for 10 years, said: "Oh dear.

"We are not a big professional firm that can offer a person three grand.

"We are a registered charity.

"Everything is the same apart from the name.

Oxford Mail: Cowley Road Carnival in 2019.Cowley Road Carnival in 2019.

"I don't know why they've done it. There are some loons out there."

The Cowley Road Carnival is described by the city council as "a vibrant part of Oxford’s diverse culture" and "an event that is enjoyed by many local residents".

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds said: "Like many Oxford residents I have had the pleasure of attending many Cowley Road Carnivals.

Oxford Mail: Anneliese Dodds.Anneliese Dodds. (Image: Newsquest.)

"The carnival is a great event which celebrates East Oxford’s rich culture and diversity.

"I am encouraged by all of the efforts currently being undertaken to ensure that the event can return on July 7 this year."

The carnival looks set to return for the first time in five years.

East Oxford resident Amir Steve Ali, who is the Independent parliamentary candidate for the constituency and a former director of the Cowley Road Carnival, said he was not aware of any similar situation in the past in relation to page hacking.