Youths had 'weapons' during Cowley brawl

Cowley residents told the Oxford Mail they saw a cordon and a large police presence following the incident on Monday, which happened during rush hour in Between Towns Road.

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The group gathered outside Templars Square Shopping Centre at about 5.10pm, at the entrance closest to Crowell Road, in front of passers-by.

Thames Valley Police has now revealed that a boy, 15, suffered a cut to his elbow during the 'altercation'.

Officers also said the group had 'weapons', but they fled as police arrived.

In a statement this afternoon, the force said: "An altercation took place in which some of the group produced weapons. The group dispersed as police attended the scene.

"The victim, a 15-year-old boy, sustained a cut to his elbow but did not require hospital treatment."

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The force has not specified the weapons produced, nor confirmed if the boy's cut was the result of one of them being used.

The brawl took place during rush hour and police believe there would have been witnesses.

Investigating officer PC Fritha Harvey, based at St Aldates police station, said: "This is a busy area with other shoppers around at the time, and I would urge anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information to come forward."

Anyone with information can file a report online or call 101, quoting reference 43200038780, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Three 15-year-old boys from Oxford were arrested on suspicion of affray.

South Central Ambulance Service described the boy's injury as 'minor' and said he was treated at the scene.

One Cowley resident said she saw the police tape as well as two police cars and an ambulance on the opposite side of the road, blocking the entrance to Templars Retail Park.

Another said she saw the police helicopter at the same time.