Police are hunting a man who attempted to abduct a woman while she was out running in Banbury.

The woman was jogging along a lane at the rear of Broughton Castle's grounds when she was approached by a white car with two men inside.

The driver got out and tried to stop her, but she managed to break free and ran to a nearby house while the car followed her.

With no-one in at this property, she had to run across a meadow to another home, where she was taken in.

The incident happened at about 5pm on Sunday but was only released to the public yesterday.

Det Sgt Steve Duffy said: "This is a worrying incident and we are treating it very seriously.

"The young woman was very shocked but uninjured. I would advise women to take care when out on their own and to ensure that people know where they are and when they are expected home."

The driver of the car is of eastern European or Mediterranean appearance with a heavy accent. He is slim, in his 20s, with longish dark curly hair and stubble. He wore a dark leather jacket.

Ds Duffy added: "We believe there was at least one other man who was also jogging in the vicinity at the time. We don't believe he is connected to this incident but he may have vital information and we urge him to come forward."

Police believe the white car the two men were seen in may be a Vauxhall Astra.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.