Police are appealing for witnesses after two robberies in Oxford in the early hours yesterday.

The first incident happened when an 18-year-old man had just got off a bus and was walking along Magdalen Road, in East Oxford, at about 1.30am.

As he walked along the road he was approached by a group of about eight men, who stopped him and searched through his pockets before stealing his mobile phone.

The second incident happened around the same time at 1.30am, as a man walked between Catherine Street and Magdalen Road.

He was approached by what is believed to be the same group of men, who demanded he had over his mobile phone and wallet. The man handed over both of these and the group of men left.

The members of the group iare described as being aged between 17 and 21, with a Middle Eastern appearance and some of the men spoke with an accent.

Seven of the group had medium builds, with one of the men being larger built.

Most of the men were wearing fabric-style tracksuit bottoms, though a couple were wearing jeans. They also wore dark zip-up jackets, sweatshirts.

PC Rick Josey said: “Thankfully neither victim was hurt in these incidents and managed to make their way home, where they contacted the police immediately.

“I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen this incident, or who has any information to contact me as soon as possible.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen a group matching this description in the East Oxford area on the night that may have seen where they went.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Josey via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively you can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.