Police were today talking to a man found lying injured beside a busy road in West Oxford to find out how he was hurt.

A member of the public found the 52-year-old collapsed on the pavement near Halfords on Botley Road at about 10pm yesterday.

Police were alerted, and the man, who lives in Oxford, was taken to the city’s John Radcliffe Hospital with a suspected head injury.

He was said to be in a stable condition.

The road was closed while police examined the scene as part of an investigation into a possible assault.

Det Insp Simon Morton said: “We are currently in the early stages of our investigation and are trying to establish the full circumstances surrounding what has happened.

“At this stage we are unsure whether the man fell or was assaulted.

“I am appealing to anyone who might have information to contact me.”

Anyone with information that could help the police with their inquiries is urged to call Oxford police on 08458 505505.