A WOMAN was attacked and a house targeted by a gang of youths in two cases of violence in the Leys.

Police are investigating possible links between the two crimes, which were reported on the same night.

A group of people assaulted a 31-year-old woman in Mercury Road, Blackbird Leys, just before 11pm on Monday.

She was left bruised, but did not need to go to hospital.

Three cars were also damaged in the violence.

One of the offenders was described as of mixed race, aged between 20 and 25 years, about 5ft 6ins tall, of large build and had short, shaved hair.

He was wearing a light-coloured T-shirt.

Dc Peter Warne said: “We would like to speak to anyone who can help to identify the people involved in this incident.

“It is not yet clear how many people were involved in this incident and whether there were other related disorders prior to the assault.”

On the same night, witnesses said that a gang of young men attacked a house in nearby Long Ground, Greater Leys, to try to gain entry.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “There were 16 or 17 black kids with baseball bats, sticks and metal bars.

“They were shouting and swearing and very unhappy. They wanted to do someone in that house a serious damage.”

A man at the address in question refused to comment, but said: “There’s a big chunk missing out of my door now.”

Police spokeswoman Hannah Williams said: “We are aware of the incident in Long Ground and we are in the early stages of making inquiries to see whether this is connected to the incident in Blackbird Leys.”

It is understood that police officers have been in touch with nightlife hotspots in the city over fears following the incidents that rival gangs could clash on nights out.

Oxfordshire County Council member for Northfield Brook Steve Curran said: “I’m shocked, normally there is very little trouble on this estate. I should imagine that there will be increased patrols to keep a lid on this.”

He said that residents should not be too concerned, and that he did not think any further violence would take place.

“I would think that most people who live on this estate will be concerned but they should not be overly-worried,” said Mr Curran.

“It’s a dangerous thing to say that this could spread, it seems like it’s quite an isolated incident.”

A 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the Mercury Road attack and has been bailed until September 19.

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