Police are appealing for information about a series of robberies in Oxford.

At about 8pm on Friday, a man, in his early twenties, was walking along Gypsy Lane in a fancy dress costume, when he was approached by two men.

The men threatened the man with a knife and then punched him as they demanded he hand over his belongings. He refused and they stole his cowboy hat and a red plastic pistol.

The two men are thought to be in their late teens. One was wearing a dark hooded top and the man with a knife was wearing a red hooded top.

Just after 8pm a woman was in Warneford Lane when two men, of the same description, tried to rob her. One of the men was wearing a cowboy hat.

At about 8.05pm, two 14-year-old boys were walking along Divinity Road when two men demanded that they given them their belongings. One of the boys was punched as the robbers stole his rucksack.

Det Con Simon Beaton said: “Clearly these are very serious offences and I would like to appeal for anyone with any information to contact the police.”

Three men have been arrested. Two have been released on bail and the third is in custody.

Anyone with any information about the incident to contact Det Cob Beaton at Oxford police station via 0845 8 505 505, or if you don’t want to talk to the police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.