POLICE in Witney are hunting a “key witness” after charging two men with raping a 21-year-old woman.

Tracing the witness to the attack was “critical to the success of the investigation”, police said yesterday.

The woman was attacked next to Cogges Manor Farm as she walked along Church Lane following a night out in the town shortly after midnight on Saturday, West Oxfordshire area commander Chief Inspector Colin Paine said.

He added: “I believe there was a witness who was walking along Church Lane at the time of the act.

“He was white, tall and wearing dark clothing.

“He will know who he is and I would appeal for him to come forward. What he has seen is critical to the success of this investigation.”

Two 25-year-olds –Mark Just, of Sedge Way, Carterton, and Patrick Juste, of Sycamore Drive, Carterton – were charged with rape last night. They will appear in Oxford Magistrates’ Court today.

Mr Paine said: “It was a 21-year-old female who went out in Witney town centre with a friend and she walked along Church Lane.

“At about 12.15am to 12.30am on Saturday she was sexually assaulted.”

Anyone with any information should call 08458 505505.