A gang beat up a man in an attack outside a petrol station in Headington yesterday morning.

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

He suffered serious facial injuries and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital for treatment.

Police said yesterday the victim was recovering and was now in a stable condition.

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

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

Anyone with information should call Dc Steven Martin on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.