THREE more men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a serious assault in Banbury.

A man in his 20s, who may have been hit with a car, was taken to hospital after an altercation at Coopers Gate on Friday at about 7.45pm.

It is believed weapons were used and the victim remains in a critical condition.

Today three more men have been arrested in connection with the assault, bringing the total number of arrest to six.

Senior investigating officer Det Insp Steve Raffield of Force CID, based at Banbury police station, said: "We are continuing to investigate this incident and have made a number of arrests.

We would ask if you think you may have information that could assist our inquiry then please Thames Valley Police.

"There will be increased neighbourhood patrols in the area, should you have any concerns in relation to this incident please do speak with one of the officers."

Two men, aged 24 and 30, both from Banbury, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and bailed until November 28.

A 31-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and bailed until November 28.

It follows another two men, aged 38 and 26, both from the town, who have been bailed until November 28 after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Then a 29-year-old man, from Banbury, who was arrested yesterday on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody.

Posts on social media said there was a huge police presence in the area yesterday with a helicopter searching the town. 

Adam Hodges, who owns Reids Dry Cleaners in Cope Road, Banbury, said he heard it may have been a stabbing and that somebody was trying to get into the car. 

Adrian Nash, general manager of The Three Pigeons Inn in Southam Road, said a forensic tent was up yesterday.

He said: "The road was all closed off and people couldn't get to their cars in the street. It was quite something."

Speaking yesterday, Det Insp Capps said: “We are appealing for anyone who might have seen the initial incident in Cooper Gate or the subsequent serious assault with the vehicle in Cope Road junction with Southam Road.

“We are also interested in hearing from witnesses who may have seen a group of men in Coopers Gate and the surrounding roads in the lead up to and after the incident.

“If anyone saw a silver Volkswagen Passat heading towards Coopers Gate before 7.45pm yesterday, or saw a silver Volkswagen Passat leaving Coopers Gate shortly after 7.45pm yesterday we would ask them to come forward."

“If you have any information about the incident please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting reference 1427 14/10/16."