Police are carrying out forensic tests to discover whether a man found seriously hurt on a Banbury pavement was attacked or injured himself.

The 41-year-old was spotted by a police patrol at 1am on Bank Holiday Monday lying in Bath Road. He had a three-inch gash to his throat and cuts on his body.

The man, who has not been named, was rushed to the Horton Hospital, Banbury, and transferred to the John Radcliffe, Oxford. His condition was described as stable.

The People's Park was sealed off as police scientists examined the area.

Police know the man was in a town centre pub on Sunday evening, where he bought a framed picture of a footballer from another customer.

It is now thought that after a night's drinking the man was walking home, carrying the picture, when he fell. The glass in the picture frame broke and may have caused the injuries. But police said the man could have been the victim of an attack.

Det Insp Peter Coleman, of Banbury CID, said: "Nothing can be ruled out at this stage."

Wtnesses should call him on 01295 754550.