Two brothers have denied a vicious attack in which a man is alleged to have been stabbed, Oxford Crown Court heard.

Carl and James Hatch, both of Leopold Street, Oxford, had previously denied an allegation of an affray.

Oliver Dunkin, prosecuting, told the jury that Dominic Calder-Smith, a project worker at the Oxford Night Shelter, then in Luther Street, heard a commotion at 9.15pm on September 21, 2003.

He said Mr Calder-Smith saw Carl Hatch, 27, attacking a woman and James Hatch, 34, chasing Jason Harris.

Mr Dunkin said: "He watched and saw James Hatch stab Mr Harris in the shoulder and arm.

"The victim screamed to be let into the night shelter and eventually the commotion outside appeared to calm down."

Mr Calder-Smith said neither of the victims was prepared to help the police, and the brothers left the scene.

They were arrested after a struggle when they returned to the night shelter later.

The trial continues.