A MAN has been stabbed in the stomach in what police believe is a homophobic attack.

The 26-year-old man was walking with his partner along Banbury Road, close to the junction with Portland Road, in Summertown, Oxford, at 10.45pm yesterday.

A police spokesman said he saw a man lying on the ground in a front garden and went to ask if he needed any help.

The man stood up and yelled homophobic abuse and the pair had a brief struggle in the street.

The attacker ran away then returned with a woman shortly afterwards, before stabbing the 26-year-old in the stomach, said the spokesman.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Two people have been arrested.

Det Ch Insp Colin Paine, of Oxford Priority Crime, said: “I believe that this is an isolated incident, and I would like to reassure the gay community that we are taking the comments made and this matter very seriously.

“Any form of hate crime will not be tolerated in Oxford and we have committed a team of detectives to investigate this matter and will work relentlessly until whoever has done this is brought to justice.

“Two people have now been arrested and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with our enquiries.”

Sgt Felicity Parker, representing the Thames Valley Gay Police Association, said: “We are putting extra police officers in the community to offer our support to the community.

“We will be available and accessible to anyone who might have concerns. The Homophobic Awareness Liaison Team (HALT) in Oxfordshire can also offer support through their website oxhalt.co.uk.”

A 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and a 19-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender remain in custody.

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