A Russian foreign-language student had to have four staples in his head after being hit with a metal bar in Oxford city centre last night.

The 16-year-old boy was approached by three men at the junction between Oxpens Road and Norfolk Road after a visiting Oxford Ice Rink at about 10.45pm.

He had been walking to catch a bus with friends, and the group became involved in an altercation with the three men.

During the altercation, the 16-year-old was attacked and struck around the head with a metal bar.

The attackers, who were described as aged 18 and wearing dark clothing with hooded tops, told the student to hand over his wallet but he ran off and flagged down a bus, whose driver called the police.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital for treatment.

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.