Police are talking to villagers in Great Milton tonight as the hunt continued for a man who raped a teenager in a graveyard.

The 18-year-old woman was raped after she was grabbed by an attacker and dragged into the graveyard of St Mary's Church, in Church Road, at 5pm on Wednesday.

Many villagers were out celebrating Halloween at the time and have spoken of their shock at the attack.

Police have increased patrols in the area and called for witnesses to come forward with information.

It is understood the woman was raped a short distance from the entrance to the churchyard.

She is now with relatives recovering from her ordeal.

The victim has described the man as being over 6ft. He was wearing a dark hooded jumper, and was aged 25 to 30, with an English accent.

Det Sgt Alan Clements, of Thame CID, said: "This attack occurred as Halloween celebrations were starting.

"We believe there may have been parents with their children out trick-or-treating in the village at the time of the attack.

"Were you out with your children in Great Milton at around 5pm? If so, please get in touch.

"Also, a man was seen sitting in a light-coloured people carrier parked near the churchyard at 4pm. We would like to appeal for him to come forward, because he may have vital information."

Neighbourhood Inspector Jim O'Ryan added: "We're taking steps to reassure the local community in Great Milton and nearby villages and will be increasing high visibility patrols.

"Our officers are out and about in Great Milton this evening, two days on from the time of the attack, to reassure residents and to answer - to the best of their ability - any questions they may have.

"While the incident may be worrying for some, I would like to highlight that this sort of attack is very rare, particularly in an extremely low crime area like South Oxfordshire."

Insp O'Ryan said police officers did not know the make or registration number of the people carrier which was seen near the churchyard and added that no arrests had yet been made.

He said: "Our officers are knocking on doors to reassure residents and to give them the opportunity to give information to us, overtly or in complete confidence.

"No matter how minor, the tiniest bit of information could fill a gap in the jigsaw."

He advised women to "apply common sense and take the usual safety precautions" when they went out.

Insp O'Ryan added: "To the best of my knowledge nothing like this has ever happened before in Great Milton, so it is understandable that villagers are shocked.

"We will do everything we can to ensure they are safe."

Det Sgt Clements can be contacted on 08458 505505. Alternatively anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.