Four teenagers held a foreign student's arms behind his back and beat him before stealing his jacket and mobile phone.

The victim, 23, was walking towards Oxford city centre when the gang, which had been going towards Barton, surrounded and verbally abused him.

One of the gang began to punch the man. When he tried to defend himself his arms were held behind his back and he was beaten around the head and face by other members of the group. They ran off after stealing his jacket and phone.

The man received cuts and bruises to his face, but did not require medical attention.

The attack took place in London Road, Headington, at 9.15pm on Tuesday, October 9.

WPc Clare Tudway, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a violent attack which has left the victim not only with physical injuries, but shocked and shaken as well."

Three of the offenders were white and one was black. They are described as about 17 years old and wearing casual clothes.

Anyone with information should contact WPc Tudway on 01865 266333, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.