AN E-FIT has been released by police after a runner was grabbed and pushed before escaping by kicking a man between the legs.

The woman had stopped to catch her breath at the junction of Bloxham Road, Banbury, and Salt Way, between 5.45pm and 6pm on Tuesday, May 22, when she was confronted by two men who asked her for the time.

The first man, depicted in the E-fit image, then pushed her backwards and grabbed her by her clothing, trying to snatch her running belt.

The victim kicked the shorter man between the legs and ran away, after which she realised that her headphones were missing.

She suffered a scratch and grazing to her leg.

The pair are described as eastern European and both suspects were talking in a foreign language.

The first man was aged in his mid-twenties, approximately 5ft 2ins tall, slim with a shaved head.

He was wearing a light grey hooded top and light grey tracksuit bottoms.

The second man was 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.

During her run, at around 5.30pm, the victim encountered an elderly couple, a woman walking a dog and a man jogging and police would like to speak to these people as potential witnesses.

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 and E-fit to contact police on 101.

"I would also appeal to those potential witnesses mentioned to make contact with us, quoting reference number 43180155009."