A kebab shop worker is recovering at home last night after being stabbed at least five times during a cigarette break.

Turkan Akyuz, 37, was stabbed in the chest and arm while outside Bodrum Kebabs, in Cowley Road, Oxford, where he works, at about 11pm on Wednesday.

He staggered back inside the takeaway and collapsed unconscious and bleeding in front of customers.

Staff rushed to help Mr Akyuz, who was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital and needed stitches to wounds to his chest and right arm. Police arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm but are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

Hasan Asam, manager of Bodrum Kebabs, said: "He was lying on the floor unconscious and bleeding.

"I managed to get the customers out of the shop and call an ambulance. There was a lot of blood on the floor."

Mr Akyuz spent the night in hospital but was allowed home yesterday. Police cordoned the shop off until the early hours to launch investigation.

Police spokesman Toby Shergold said last night a knife had yet to be recovered.

Dc Chris Bolger, of Oxford CID, said: "This was a nasty attack but thankfully the victim is recovering well. I would like to reassure local residents that this was an isolated incident."

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