A RUNNER was grabbed and pushed before escaping by kicking a man between the legs.

The 39-year-old woman had stopped to catch her breath in Salt Way, Banbury as she reached the junction with Bloxham Road when she was approached by the men who asked the time. 

The incident, which took place between 5.45pm and 6pm on Tuesday, saw the shorter of the two men push the victim backwards before trying to snatch her running belt.

After kicking the shorter man between the legs and running away, the woman realised that her headphones were missing.

She suffered a scratch and grazing to her leg, but no other injuries.

Oxford Mail:

Blocham Road, Banbury near Salt Way - pic. Google

The offenders are described as two eastern European men.

One was aged in his mid twenties, approximately 5ft 2ins tall, slim with a shaved head and wearing a light grey hooded top and light grey tracksuit bottoms.

The other was described as also in his mid twenties, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 9ins tall, and was wearing a dark grey hooded top, light blue jeans and red trainers.

It is thought that an elderly couple, a woman walking a dog and a man jogging all saw the victim during her run.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Sam Bonner, of Force CID at Banbury Police Station, said: "The victim stated that she did not know the intention of the men but, as a result of the offence, she was missing her headphones, which are black in colour.

"It is not known whether these were stolen by the offenders or whether they fell from the victim during the incident.

"It is likely that many people were in Salt Way between 5.30pm and 6pm on Tuesday, and I am appealing for anyone who may have seen the incident, or who recognises the men in the description to contact police on 101."