A WOMAN who found a camera in the shower of a Travelodge has said she feels disgusted by the incident.

Thames Valley Police has launched an investigation to find out why a camera was hidden behind a shower vent in the Wheatley Travelodge, London Road.

Harmony Hachey was using the cubicle when she noticed the small device staring at her from behind a vent as she stood naked.

Ms Hachey, who is from Edinburgh but was staying there for work, said she thought she was going crazy at first, but was horrified when she discovered it was pointed directly at her.

She said: "It was on Friday night and me and some work colleagues had booked into the Travelodge and I decided to take a shower.

"I just noticed something in the vent and I thought to myself that it looked like it was a camera, but then thought I was going crazy.

"I started getting paranoid and going through different scenarios.

"I was in complete shocked, I just felt totally violated and that my privacy had been breached. I broke down."

The 23 year old added she had no idea if anyone was watching or if it had been recording.

She rushed to the reception desk, before a manager at the Wheatley Travelodge was called immediately.

Ms Hachey added: "I had to get a second opinion and they confirmed it was a camera.

"I was absolutely disgusted. Who knows how long it has been there?

"There was a USB lead attached to the back of the device - I don't know if there is footage on there.

"I just had to change rooms. I will never stay in a Travelodge again."

She was meant to be staying in the room for three nights but after making the discovery on her first night, she demanded to be moved.

She then called the police. The force confirmed it was now investigating the incident.

Ms Hachey said she has since been offered three nights for free in any Travelodge, as well as a refund for the room, but added she felt insulted by the proposal.

She said: "I'm quite vigilant when I stay at places and I think that's why I found it, but I have no idea how long it could have been there."

Travelodge Spokesperson said: "We can confirm that on Friday, August 28 a customer at our Oxford Wheatley hotel made us aware of the presence of what appeared to be a camera in their room.

"The privacy of our customers is a matter of the highest importance to us and the hotel team investigated immediately. While the camera appeared to be inoperative, we have reported this matter to the police and we are now supporting them fully with their ongoing investigations.

"We would like to offer our sincere apologies to the customer affected and will remain in contact with them to ensure the matter is resolved."

Thames Valley Police spokesman Gareth Ford-Lloyd added: "A camera has been recovered for examination.

"Reports of this nature are very rare, but we always treat them very seriously.

"We are working very closely with Travelodge to secure as much evidence as we can and an investigation is ongoing."

Have you had any problems staying in a Travelodge in Oxfordshire? Call Michael Race on 01865 425483.