A VOLKSWAGEN Passat may hold the key as police continue to investigate an attempted murder in Banbury.

The force has so far arrested nine men in connection with the incident at Coopers Gate, which left a man in his 20s in a critical condition in hospital.

It is believed the serious assault involved weapons and that the man may have been hit by a car in Southam Road on Friday night. 

Thames Valley Police has now released a picture of a Volkswagen Passat which was seen several times in the area before the incident and was later found burnt out near Cropredy. 

Police have launched a fresh appeal for any information on the light colour estate vehicle with registration plate VE03 ZFY.

Five men, aged 24, 30, 31, 29 and 38, all from Banbury, previously arrested in connection with the incident have all been released on police bail until 28 November.

A further four men, aged 24, 25, 24 and 40, also all from Banbury, have been arrested and released on police bail until the same date.