A man's life was saved by his padded leather jacket when a robber tried to thrust a knife into him.

The 20-year-old man was walking home with a 19-year-old woman work colleague along Wheatley Road, Cuddesdon, at around 9.30pm on Monday night. A silver Nissan Sunny pulled in front of the pair and three men and a boy, aged ten to 12, got out.

One man, thought to be in his later teens, with short cropped hair, approached the victim.

He produced a knife and demanded he hand over his possessions.

When the victim refused, he tried to stab the 20-year-old whose leather jacket stopped the knife wounding him.

The victim fled up the road and hid in some bushes.

Det Sgt Angus Palmer, of Thame CID, said: "The victim could have suffered serious injuries but for the thick leather jacket he was wearing.

"It was a very shocking experience for both him and his friend. We know some cars drove past the pair shortly before the attack and would urge people to come forward to help us catch the offenders."

The attacker, who had a tanned or olive complexion and a local accent, returned to his car which was driven up the road as the offenders looked for the victim. The C-reg, four-door car soon turned around and headed back to Wheatley.

The man with the knife was 5ft 10in to 6ft. He had a very thin moustache and a small ring in his left ear. Anyone with information can call Det Sgt Palmer on 01844 264919, Thame police on 01844 264920 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

*A 16-year-old was being questioned at Abingdon police station in connection with the incident.