Cyclist hit along towpath near Eastern Bypass and Iffley Lock

The woman, in her 40s, was cycling along the towpath between Iffley Lock and the Eastern Bypass on Monday when a group of eight males and females blocked her way.

She was then approached by one of the males from the group who grabbed hold of her bike basket while the others circled around her.

Another one of the males then grabbed the woman’s bag from out of the basket and removed the lock, walking off with it.

The woman then started to walk away but felt somebody stopping her leaving.

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She then had a ‘strong blow’ to the back of her head but luckily was still wearing her helmet which protected her from any injuries.

Two females in the group then started being aggressive and threatened her with violence.  

The group then left and the woman was able to cycle away.

They were last seen walking along the towpath towards Oxford.

All of them are described as youths, including a white male, who has blonde hair is around 5ft 6ins and tall and slim.

At the time he was wearing a grey hooded top with the hood up.

One of the other teenagers is described as mixed-race, around 5ft 8ins tall and slim.

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He has brown hair that was short and curly and at the time was wearing a dark hooded top.

One of the females is described as 5ft 5ins and tall and slim.

She has shoulder-length strawberry blonde hair and at the time was wearing a white or light grey baggy top.

The other female that the lady could describe was 5ft 6ins tall and slim. She had black hair.

Investigating officer PC Oli Dalby of Oxford CID, said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim and it was only because of her bike helmet that she was not injured.

“This is very intimidating behaviour and is not acceptable at any time.

“Fortunately, nothing was stolen but the intent was there.”

Any information can be passed to police by calling 101 quoting 43200095893.