A 26-year-old Oxford man has been stabbed in the stomach in a homophobic attack.

The man was with his partner when he went to help another man lying in the road. After an altercation the other man yelled homophobic abuse before running away. He then returned with a woman and later stabbed the victim in the stomach.

Det Ch Insp Colin Paine, of Oxford Priority Crime, said:
“I believe that this is an isolated incident, and I would like to reassure the gay community that we are taking the comments made and this matter very seriously.

“Any form of hate crime will not be tolerated in Oxford and we have committed a team of detectives to investigate this matter and will work relentlessly until whoever has done this is brought to justice.

“Two people have now been arrested and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with our enquiries.”  

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