Man held hostage as housemate forced to withdraw cash: Oxford
(OX4 - Friday, 22 January, 2010)

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after two men were assaulted and robbed at an address in Oxford in the early hours of yesterday morning (21/1).

At about 3am, a 22-year-old man was chased back to his house in East Oxford by two men.

The men then forced their way into the house behind the victim, and assaulted him and his 21-year-old house mate.

The housemate was then taken to a nearby cash point at the Tesco store on Cowley Road by one of the robbers, while the other man was kept at home by the other robber.

Both men left the address when they had returned from the cash point.

The first offender is described as:

• a white male
• aged late teens, early twenties
• about 5ft 10ins tall
• thin
• wearing a blue jacket, blue jeans and white trainers

The second offender is described as:

• a white male
• aged late teens, early twenties
• about 5ft 5ins tall
• wearing a light-coloured jacket, dark jeans and short hair

Det Sgt Russell Simpson said:

"This is a serious incident that has left both victims very shaken and we would appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

"The Cowley Road is often busy in the early hours with people returning home from a night out.

"Did you see a man being chased by two other men?

"Did you see someone being forced to withdraw money from a cash point?

"If you did then we need you to come forward and help us with our enquiries."

Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt Simpson via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Thames Valley

Address:
Cowley Road
Oxford
OXFORDSHIRE
OX4