A WOMAN in her 70s was raped in her home by a boy believed to be as young as 14.

The boy talked his way into her home on Saturday, in the Hardwick area of Banbury, by asking about the war and the elderly.

Once inside her home, he pushed the woman to the floor and raped her.

The victim activated her personal care alarm and the boy ran off.

The matter was reported to the police at 9.20am by the alarm company.

The boy has been described as white, between 14 and 16 years old, with short, dark brown hair. He was wearing a zip-up jacket and jeans slung low on his waist.

Police only released details of the attack this morning, more than 48 hours after it happened.

Det Sgt Andrew Thompson, investigating the incident, said: "This was a calculated and horrifying attack, with the young boy talking his way into the victim’s house deliberately to sexually assault her.

"I am very keen to speak to anyone who saw the boy in the area on Saturday, or may have had a visit from him over the weekend asking questions about the war.

"I would also like to speak to anyone who recognises his description or who has any information which may help us catch the person responsible for this despicable crime."

Supt Andy Boyd, Local Police Area (LPA) Commander, added: "This was a very distressing incident and I would like to reassure residents that a team of detectives are working hard to catch the person responsible.

"Neighbourhood officers will be carrying out reassurance patrols in the Hardwick area and handing out leaflets to concerned residents. They can also contact their local team on the non-emergency number, 101, if they require further advice."

Anyone with any information about this incident should contact Det Sgt Thompson via the Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.