Three people were injured in a gang fight in the middle of a busy Oxford street.

About 15 men, all of East Timorese origin, brawled in Cowley Road, between the junctions of Howard Street and Cumberland Road, at about 11.40pm on Monday.

A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm was in custody last night.

A police cordon remained at the scene for most of yesterday.

Police today said the fight was not linked to any other incidents in the area.

A 31-year-old and a 27-year-old were treated in hospital but their condition was not said to be serious. The third man injured was not treated.

The fight was not caught on CCTV as new cameras installed in the road do not cover the area.

Cowley Road resident Omar Farouk Rana, 53, said he had heard a lot of noise, and when he looked out there were young men and boys “running in all directions”.

He added: “I am very scared after this. Where are the police on Cowley Road during the night – asleep?”

Anyone with information should call Oxford police on 08458 505505.