What we know so far after Oxford assault hospitalises man

A man in his 40s remains in hospital after an assault in Barton.

The incident prompted a major emergency response, with as many as 15 vehicles seen as police cordoned and closed Barton Village Road on Monday (August 17).

Thames Valley Police were called at around 11.10am to reports of the assault.

Officers quickly sealed off part of North Way, closing the road to the junction with Edgecombe Road while enquiries were carried out.

Police in Barton (Image: Alexandra Carter / Newsquest)

A large police presence remained in the area throughout the day, with multiple vehicles parked behind cordons.

A damaged white vehicle was left stranded in the middle of the road following the incident. Broken glass could be seen scattered across the carriageway, while blood was visible on the rear right-hand side of the vehicle.

In an initial statement, a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “A man has been taken to hospital to receive medical treatment for his injuries. No arrests have been made.”

Police later confirmed the injured man is in his 40s but said they were unable to provide further details about the severity of his injuries, and that he is receiving treatment in hospital.

Residents living near the scene reported hearing a disturbance shortly before emergency services arrived.

The scene in Barton, Oxford (Image: Alexandra Carter / Newsquest)

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said their partner heard a crash before shouting could be heard nearby.

The resident said: “I heard a crash and shouting but I couldn’t see anything. Then I heard thumping sounds.

“Everything quietened down and later I saw loads of police cars.”

They estimated that around 15 police vehicles, three ambulances and numerous emergency response vehicles attended the scene.

A crashed truck in Oxford (Image: Alex Carter)

The resident also claimed helicopters could be heard overhead, describing it as the first time they had heard them in the two years they had lived in the area.

The anonymous resident alleged an axe was involved in the attack, while other residents living nearby have speculated on social media that a machete may have been used.

A spokesperson for the force has since confirmed that it does not believe an axe, bat or machete was used.

The force said: “Our enquiries are ongoing, and I am unable to confirm at this time whether a weapon was involved.

“We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and will provide a further update when more information is available.”

The resident further alleged the incident may have followed a road-rage dispute involving the white vehicle and another dark-coloured vehicle.

Police have not confirmed those claims and investigations remain ongoing.