AN attempted murder investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed 13 times at flats in Oxford.

Police were called at about 1.30am today to Gibbs Crescent following reports that a man had been stabbed.

The man, in his 40s, was take to the John Radcliffe Hospital, and has undergone surgery. He is in a serious but stable condition, police said.

Three men, aged 27, 35, and 36 were arrested in connection with the incident. A 38-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. They are all in police custody.

Det Insp Simon Morton said: “The man sustained 13 stab wounds to his legs, back and abdomen and was found in the communal areas of the flats.

“I have a team of detectives working on this case to establish the circumstances leading up to this man’s injuries.

“I appeal to anyone who was in this area of the city centre late last night, or in the early hours of this morning and saw something suspicious to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact Oxford CID on 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.