A 49-year-old man was brutally attacked outside a pub after coming the aid of a a man being assaulted by the same gang.

Police said the victim, gave a man a cigarette outside the Star Inn, Market Place, Woodstock, at around midnight last Friday.

Minutes later the man he met was set upon by a gang of teenagers.

The 49-year-old tried to intervene but was punched twice in the face and returned inside the pub to avoid any more involvement.

Shortly after midnight he went back outside the pub for a cigarette and was punched in the face and knocked to the ground then repeatedly kicked in the head by a gang.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital where he was treated for cuts and bruises to his face and body.

The main who attacker was described as white, about 19 years old, 5ft 10ins, of medium build, and has short, fair hair.

He was wearing jeans and a T-shirt with blue and white horizontal stripes.

Pc Chris French said: "This kind of violent attack is extremely unusual for Woodstock. We need to find this group of young men and in particular the one who led the attack.

"Were you in Woodstock on Friday night and saw this assault or this group of youths behaving aggressively in the Market Square? If so, please contact me.

"I would also like to find the young man who was attacked in the first instance. He is a key witness and may have been the victim of a crime himself; I urge him to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.