Five people were robbed in a number of attacks either in or nearby to Iffley Road, in East Oxford today.

In Iffley Road, a 48-year-old man was robbed by two men who claimed to be carrying a knife as he walked home at around 12.45am.

Minutes later two men, aged 21 and 22, were robbed of money, mobile phones and bank cards, after being confronted by two men.

At about 1am, a 22-year-old man was attacked and handed over money.

Nearby, 10 minutes later, a man was punched in the face and had his mobile phone stolen. Police arrested two men, aged 21 and 20, and a boy and girl, both 17, at around 9.30am today on suspicion of robbery. They remain in police custody.

Det Sgt Steve Raffield said: “A lot of work was done by uniformed officers in the early hours of this morning and a team of our detectives has been working on it today.

“As a result we have arrested four people, who are currently helping us with our investigation.

“We are still appealing for any witnesses to come forward.”

Munna Rahman, 20, of Donnington Bridge Road, said he was woken by someone in his garden shortly after 1am, with the police helicopter in the sky.

He said: “I could hear someone panting right outside my window.

“The next minute I heard the helicopter and the light was flashing all over the house and garden and police cars flew round the corner.

“It was very scary. We didn’t know what was going on.”

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505.