A man suffered a suspected fractured skull as he was attacked near an Abingdon church last night.

Two men, aged 34 and 53, were set upon outside St Helen’s Church in West St Helen’s Street at about 11.15pm, leaving the older man with serious injuries.

The incident began after a row between the two men and a group of three men and three women sitting on a nearby bench, police said.

As the men walked away the group attacked them with punches and kicks before running off.

The 34-year-old man was not injured but the 53-year-old was taken to hospital with facial injuries and a suspected fractured skull.

A police spokesman said: “The group were all white. One of the men was around 19 years old, approximately 5ft 5ins, with brown spiked hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt with dark lettering.

“One of the women was around 16 years old, about 5ft 3ins, with long brown hair. There is no description of the other offenders.”

Det Sgt Darren Cartwright, investigating the assault, said: “A number of investigations are under way to find the people responsible for this unprovoked attack, including establishing what the motive may be.

“One of the victims has sustained what may be serious injuries and is receiving hospital treatment. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area last night, or saw the group of six people around Abingdon last night, to contact me as soon as possible so we can find the people responsible.”

Anyone with any information should contact Det Sgt Cartwright on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.