Emergency services responded to reports of a stabbing in Banbury on Friday morning, with a man in his thirties sustaining serious injuries.
The assault occurred in the vicinity of People’s Park and St Mary’s churchyard.
Paramedics and officers attended the scene at approximately 6:30am.
The victim was subsequently transported to hospital, where his condition was described as serious but not life-threatening.
Officers established cordons around the park and churchyard while investigations got underway.
The area was cleared by midday, with emergency services concluding their work at the location.
Detectives confirmed that the assault appeared to have been targeted and that those involved may have had a prior connection.
A business proprietor operating a food outlet on Church Lane, situated close to the scene of the attack, expressed concern about the incident occurring in the town.
The trader, who launched the venture last December, stated that enhanced police presence and more frequent patrols would be welcome, particularly in the vicinity of the park.
The proprietor noted that groups of individuals had previously gathered in the churchyard under the influence of alcohol, which could occasionally create an intimidating environment.
Personnel at a public house positioned opposite the churchyard reported that investigators had approached them to request footage from their surveillance cameras.
A dog walker who passed through the area during the morning described observing a police officer stationed near the churchyard alongside emergency vehicles and an ambulance.
The individual stated that the incident came as a distressing revelation.
A worker from an office in the neighbourhood, who frequently uses People’s Park, indicated that word of the assault had spread among colleagues.
The individual mentioned that a comparable incident had previously taken place within the same park.
Concerns were raised by some colleagues regarding the safety of the town.
Another licensee of a nearby establishment, who preferred to remain unnamed, supported the view that worries about criminal activity in the area had intensified.
The proprietor remarked that such occurrences had unfortunately become more frequent within the town.
Detective Inspector James Holden-White, the officer leading the investigation, stated that the force was treating the case as a priority.
Officers were working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the assault.
Anyone possessing information that could aid the inquiry was urged to contact Thames Valley Police, quoting reference 43260460422.
Reports could also be submitted online.
Individuals with dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone recordings capturing the incident or the period immediately before or after were requested to share the material.
The investigation remains ongoing.