Cyclists are getting pushed off their bikes into ditches by men in cars in a series of bizarre attacks in south Oxfordshire.

The cyclists have been left bruised and scratched but police, who are appealing for information into the four incidents and think they may be linked, fear someone could end up seriously hurt.

On June 17, at 4.40pm, on the A4130 near Didcot, a 46-year-old man was pushed off his bicycle by a passenger in a dark 4x4 vehicle.

A passing motorist stopped to help but did not leave details. Police would like this man to get in touch as he could be a key witness.

On June20, at 2.50pm, on the A4130 at Gangsdown Hill near Wallingford, a 36-year-old cyclist saw a small white W-reg van with ladders on the roof drive up to him.

The passenger lent out and pushed him.

The passenger was a white man, aged 20 to 25, with dark sideburns and he was wearing a baseball cap.

At about 3pm on the same day, a 63-year-old man was pushed off his bicycle on Peppard Road in Nettlebed, by a passenger in a white car or van. All three received cuts and bruises and damage to their bicycles.

On a fourth occasion at about 5pm, a 26-year-old man was cycling along Milton Road in Drayton, near Abingdon.

Two men in an Isuzu Trooper 4x4 drove past.

The passenger leaned out and pushed him into a ditch. The vehicle was a light two-tone colour and possibly H-reg.

The cyclist was helped by police and an ambulance was called. He was badly bruised and shaken by the incident.

Insp Nick Cain, who is based at Abingdon police station, said: "These are all very similar assaults and could be linked. I appeal to those who are doing it to consider how dangerous it is and also to consider that you will face arrest for assault. If anyone saw these or similar incidents, then please contact me."

Anyone with information should contact Insp Cain on 08458 505505.

If you do not wish to speak to police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.

Police say they are not linking the incidents with a similar attack on a nurse in Banbury Road, Oxford, on Monday, June 12.

The 32-year-old from Islip was riding along the road when she was punched by a passenger from a passing car and almost fell off her bike.

She was punched by a man in a white car, which was being followed by a blue Peugeot containing three young men who jeered at her.