A 20-year-old man underwent emergency surgery over the weekend after he was stabbed following an argument at the Bowlplex leisure venue in Greater Leys, Oxford.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Saturday afternoon and remains in police custody.

Tonight, the victim of the assault was said to be in a stable condition at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington.

The incident happened near the Kassam Stadium on Friday night when a man was stabbed in the upper body with what police described as "a sharp instrument".

Police said an argument erupted between two men at 11.30pm inside the Bowlplex, which is part of the Ozone Leisure Complex owned by former Oxford United chairman Firoz Kassam, before it spilled out on to the street.

One of the men was then assaulted with a sharp object, which officers do not believe was a knife.

The victim suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Police said both men were from Oxford.

Det Insp Andy Nicklin, of Thames Valley Police, said: "I am appealing to anyone who has any information about the incident to come forward."

Bowlplex manager Anthony Mitchell declined to comment about the specific incident when contacted by the Oxford Mail, but company spokesman Frances D'Ardenne said: "All Bowlplex staff are fully co-operating with the police in their investigation.

"Bowlplex will assist officers as they continue to investigate the assault, which happened outside our premises.

"At the moment, our thoughts are with the injured party."

City councillor Jane Lacey, who represents Blackbird Leys, said she heard about the incident through a friend who saw forensic officers outside the Bowlplex venue on Saturday morning.

Commenting on the number of stabbings in Oxford, she said: "It's getting out of hand — it's getting quite dangerous.

"Parents need to take a bit of control — it's easy to blame everyone else.

"People should be taught right from wrong. Hopefully the young lad will pull through."

Anyone who witnessed the assault or with information that could assist detectives is urged to call Thames Valley Police on 0845 8505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.