An Italian student suffered serious chest injuries during an unprovoked stabbing.

The 20-year-old, who is on a language course, was walking in Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, with a friend at 11pm on Monday.

A man approached him asking for money and, when he refused, stabbed him in the chest. The youth suffered a punctured lung and was detained overnight in the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Oxford police spokesman Duncan McGraw said: "We urge anyone who was in the vicinity of the Bullnose Morris pub at the time, or knows about the incident, to contact us." Police are particularly keen to hear from a group of men who saw the attacker and shouted at him.

He is described as white, of a slim build and in his 20s.

Call police on 01865 266333 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.