POLICE today appealed for witnesses after a fight in which a 23-year-old man was stabbed in the face.

The incident happened at the junction of Park End Street and Hollybush Row, Oxford, at about 2.30am on Saturday, December 8. Police only released details today.

The victim was with a friend and had begun talking to two girls. A fight broke out during which he was punched in the face by a man holding a blade between his fingers. He sustained a broken nose and was treated at hospital for a wound which required almost 20 stitches.

The offender is a white man, aged between 23 and 26, about 5ft 11in tall and slim with short brown hair. He was wearing blue and white striped long sleeved shirt, blue jeans and black shoes.

Det Con Melanie Steel, of Oxford CID, said: "This was a vicious and brutal attack which is totally unacceptable. I appeal to people who were out in town that night to please get in touch if they saw anything which might assist me in tracking down the person responsible.

"I also make a personal appeal to the two girls, who clearly saw this take place, to contact me as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Det Con Steel via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre, on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, if you don't wish to speak to police or leave your name, contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.