A YOUNG mum who was raped as she walked past a Didcot churchyard fought back against her attacker, detectives have revealed.

Officers said that during the brutal attack by the knife-wielding rapist on the 23-year-old single mother, she struck out and scratched his cheek deeply. Last week detectives issued a computer-generated impression of a heavily built, dark-skinned man in his late 20s or early 30s.

Det Sgt Geoff Webb said: "We are now appealing for anyone to come forward with information - perhaps a wife, mother, father, brother or sister who may have knowledge of a man whose face was recently scratched."

Detectives are concerned they have few leads to investigate, despite several calls when the computer impression was published.

The attack took place in an alley by All Saints' Church at 8.30pm on February 13.

Officers have carried out extensive door-to-door and other inquiries across the town. The path where the attack took place is a popular short cut running between the Great Western Drive and Lydalls Road.

Police say the attacker stank of alcohol and cigarettes. He had dark, straight hair and stubble, and wore a dark sweatshirt with a logo, dark jeans and white trainers.

Call officers on 01235 776541 if you can help.

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