A WOMAN has described how she "ran for her life" as her friend was attacked by youths in a dark Oxford alleyway.

The 33-year-old, who asked not to be named, was walking along an alleyway near Tree Lane, Iffley, with a man aged 22 who was attacked by yobs who demanded cash.

The male victim, who also did not want to be named, needed hospital treatment to a gash in his cheek after the attack which happened just before 5am on Sunday.

The woman said: "We had left a party and were walking along Tree Lane.

"We passed some guys who I thought were doing a drug deal, they were obviously exchanging something.

"I said 'let's go down a short cut' and that was a big mistake. They followed us and the next thing I knew my friend was being punched."

"My friend said to me 'run' and I ran for my life.

"I had heels on and thought if I took them off the people would catch me because they were behind me, but if I kept them on they would slow me down or I would risk falling over.

"I just went into 'Penelope Pitstop' mode, and ran until the end of the alleyway, where it comes out on to Henley Avenue.

"My friend was quite badly beaten in the face and went to hospital."

She said they went back, during daylight hours and found his bike, which he had dropped during the attack, and his glasses.

She said: "We didn't go back there in the dark, we were too shocked. When it happened the guy who went for us kept saying 'I want your money' but we didn't give him any.

"I think he was a drug addict as he wasn't interested in the bike and I was convinced they had been doing some kind of a drug deal."

She said they were both left very shaken up.

She added: "I keep getting flashbacks. They were hoodies and when you realise someone has been sneaking up on you it is scary."

Thames Valley Police spokesman Kate Smith said: "We believe there were at least two offenders who were in their late teens or early 20s."

The offenders had been on cycles, which they had abandoned as they chased their victims.

"They made off in the direction of Littlemore. We are appealing for anyone who witnessed this attack to get in touch," added Miss Smith.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack and released on police bail.

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