AN 18-year-old woman was assaulted by a female in the early hours of the morning near Carfax Tower, police have said.

The force is appealing for witnesses following the attack at 3.30am on Sunday on a bench near the city centre taxi rank.

An unknown woman pulled the victim to the floor by her hair and assaulted her.

The offender is white, around 5ft 3 tall with dark hair and of medium build. She was wearing jeans with knee rips, a dark coloured top and large hooped earrings.

Investigating officer PC Anthony Carter, based at Oxford Police Station, said: "It is believed that there were several people who were involved in trying to help the victim at the time of the incident. I would really like to speak to these people.

"I am appealing to anyone who saw this happen, has any information about what happened or who believes they may know the offender, to contact 101, quoting reference number 43180198881."