A gang beat a man in an attack outside a petrol station this morning, police have said.

A 20-year-old man from Oxford, was kicked and punched by a group of Asian men outside the Shell garage in London Road, Headington, at about 1.30am.

He suffered serious facial injuries and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital for treatment, where he is now in a stable condition.

His 18-year-old friend with him at the time was also punched and kicked, but had less serious injuries.

Police said today that the attack was not being treated as racially motivated.

Anyone with information should call Det Con Steven Martin on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.