An attack on a pensioner who was beaten with a stick and the attempted robbery of a Chinese student may be linked, say Oxford police.

A 70-year-old man was on his way home when a gang of about six youths, who covered their faces, forced him to stop and demanded money.

After searching his bag and finding he had none, one of them struck him with a stick, knocking him off his bike as he tried to pedal away.

A few hours later, a man tried to rob a Chinese student of her mobile phone and punched her twice when she refused to let go of it.

He made off empty-handed and was seen by a number of members of the public.

Det Sgt Viv Rees-Davies, of Oxford's robbery team, said the incidents took place less than a quarter of a mile from each another.

Police are investigating if a member of the gang had assaulted the Chinese woman. The pensioner was attack- ed on the Thames towpath south of Osney Lock, near the railway bridge, at 7pm on Wednesday.

The student, who suffered head injuries, was assaulted at 12.45am yesterday in Mill Street.

The gang members are thought to be aged between 16 and 20. The student's attacker was of mixed race, aged about 20, 5ft 8in tall, clean shaven and of thin build. Anyone with information should call Oxford Police on 01865 266333, or the anonymous Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.