Oxfordshire man beaten over facial piercings
A 19-year-old man was punched and repeatedly kicked in separate attacks because he had facial piercings.
He was with friends outside the HMV store in Castle Quay, Banbury, Oxfordshire, when two men began squirting water at them.
When he asked them to stop they set upon him, punching him to the ground and kicking him. They left but returned minutes later and attacked him again.
Police have just released details of the attack, which happened on Saturday.
During the second attack, members of the public shouted at the attackers, who ran off in the direction of McDonald's.
As they ran off, a member of the public, described as a large-built man, restrained one of the attackers in a headlock but he struggled free.
'Make a stand'
Pc Steve Gilks, of Thames Valley Police, said: "This was a mindless attack on a young man who we believe was picked on because of his clothing and the fact he had several facial piercings.
"During the first assault there were members of the public who stood by and watched it happen."
Pc Gilks urged witnesses to come forward and "make a stand" against the attackers.
He said the incident happened at about 1700 BST.
He added: "I am particularly keen to speak to the man who tried in vain to restrain one of the offenders as he may hold vital information."
Anyone with information about either of the attacks should contact Thames Valley Police.