A GANG of youths in dark hooded jackets attacked a student from behind and tried to steal his mobile phone.
The 19-year-old victim was walking down Headington Hill when the gang assaulted him.
Police spokesman Kate Smith said: "During the attack he dropped his books and his baseball cap was knocked off.
"The group were scared off by some people walking nearby and the student ran away down the hill."
He saw the group pick up his books and throw them around before they ran up the hill, got on their cycles, and rode off towards Headington.
The incident happened at 10.30pm on Monday.
The would-be robbers were all wearing dark hooded jackets, dark trousers and riding dark-coloured cycles.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact Patricia Coyne, of Oxford Robbery Team on 08458 505505, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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