A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the attempted murder of a 17-year-old boy in Oxford.

The victim was taken to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital after the assault, believed to be a stabbing, in Blackbird Leys on Thursday night.

The teenager is in a serious but stable condition following surgery.

The attack happened at 11.50pm on Sundew Close, near Field Avenue, where residents said they heard screaming.

Police set up a tent and blocked off an alleyway next to the children's playground on Sundew Close, while they investigated.

Residents have spoken of their shock at the incident.

John McGoey, 80, of Sundew Close, said: "It used to be peaceful around here, until they built Greater Leys with all the alleyways and outlets between the estates. They should have kept them separate."

A 32-year-old woman, who did not want to be named for fear of retribution, said: "I was in bed when it happened, but it woke me up.

"It was in the alley at the back of our house, and I heard a lot of people shouting.

"This morning the police wouldn't let us walk through the alley."

A woman, aged 27, said: "The first I heard was when I came through the alleyway the next morning and there was a police car there. "I asked someone at the bus stop and they said someone had been stabbed."

Another woman said: "I heard lots of shouting and screaming, but I thought it was just kids messing about."

Police say they are not linking the attack to an incident on May 31 in Warburg Crescent, when Lee Plowman, 26, was seriously injured.

A boy, aged 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He has been bailed, on condition he does not enter Oxfordshire.

Det Insp Cess Agger, of Oxford CID, said officers were working in Blackbird Leys throughout yesterday and were not linking the two incidents.

She said: "Lots of officers have been up there, some working to reassure the public and others conducting house-to-house inquiries.

"There is a leaflet being handed out to residents in the area, letting them know what was going on.

"I do not believe this incident is linked to previous incidents. We have looked at that very, very carefully and at the moment there is nothing to indicate this incident relates to the incident on May 31."

She said the assault was not thought to be drug related.

Anyone with information about the assault can contact Det Insp Agger, on 08458 505505, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.