Oxford residents have shared their alarm after reports emerged of a knife attack at Port Meadow, a scenic spot well-known to locals. Three men were taken into custody and one person was rushed to hospital.

Thames Valley Police disclosed that officers detained three male suspects, two of whom reside in Oxford, after responding to a disturbance at Wolvercote Bathing Place in Port Meadow on Sunday evening, April 26.

Images from the scene showed numerous police vehicles, ambulance crews, and anxious members of the public gathered along Godstow Road in Wolvercote.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the incident involved a stabbing, and officials later verified that one person received injuries at the location.

A local resident who chose not to be named said many people had been distressed to hear about what happened at Port Meadow. The individual noted this spot draws families, dog walkers, and groups of friends and relatives looking to relax, making such an occurrence particularly concerning. The resident added that there had been considerable discussion among neighbours about how something could take place in such a heavily used open space.

Police confirmed officers attended reports of a public order incident at around 6.30pm on Sunday.

Two Oxford residents aged 45 and 22 were held on suspicion of affray, while a 30-year-old from Ealing was apprehended on suspicion of affray and possessing an offensive weapon.

All three remain detained by police, with one person requiring hospital treatment for their injuries.

A force spokesperson said on Monday evening that one person suffered minor injuries and was receiving hospital care.

Earlier that afternoon, a police representative said officers received a report of a public order incident at approximately 6.30pm the previous day at Wolvercote Bathing Place on Godstow Road. Inquiries were continuing and there was no wider risk to the public at this time. Anyone with information should contact the 101 phone number and quote reference 43260204156.

An unnamed witness said several people were arrested at the scene, including some who appeared to have knife wounds.

One man who was allegedly attacked ran to the open ground opposite The White Hart pub in Wolvercote, where officers attended to him.

The witness described seeing multiple police cars and ambulance personnel at the location, and said their mother had helped someone who was hurt and might need to give a statement to officers.

Authorities clarified that a medical emergency that occurred simultaneously in Wolvercote was an unrelated separate matter.

South Central Ambulance Service attended Port Meadow and treated a person at the scene at about 8pm on Sunday evening.

Police said no offence was established in connection with this separate incident.