A man suffered a fractured skull following an attack in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, early on Saturday morning.
Police said a 29-year-old man and his girlfriend were walking along Blackbird Leys Road, in the direction of Greater Leys, when a man came up from behind and hit the man over the head before running away.
The couple had just got off a bus in Balfour Road.
The attack happened at about 1am.
The injured man was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital with a fractured skull.
The attacker was described as white and around 5ft 7ins tall, with dark spiky hair and dark clothing.
Det Con Chris Bolger, investigating the incident, said: “The couple were near to the Blackbird pub when the man was assaulted.
“I’m sure there must be someone who saw something and I urge anyone with any information to contact me.”
Anyone with information should contact 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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