Police are appealing for witnesses after a robbery in Oxford last night in which a man was knocked unconscious by thieves.

Shortly after 11pm the 38-year-old victim got off a bus at the junction of Marsh Road and Cowley Road. He walked along Marsh Road and into Crescent Road and then turned into an alley that leads to Barracks Lane.

As he walked along the alleyway, he was approached by two men and was struck around the head by one of the men without any provocation.

The man was knocked unconscious by the blow. When he regained consciousness, he discovered his wallet and mobile phone had been stolen.

The men are described as both being white, about 5ft 7in tall, with medium length dark hair. One of the men is described as having an average build and the other is stockier.

PC Kierin Brogan said: “The man is unsure how long he was unconscious for and isn’t sure if he was struck with a fist or some sort of weapon at this time.

“He sustained injuries to the side of his face and head in the incident and has obviously been left shaken by what happened.

“I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time who may have seen these two men, or anyone who has any information about this incident.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Brogan 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.