A WOMAN was taken to hospital after being subjected to an attempted rape in Witney town centre.

The incident occurred between 1.30am and 3.50am on Thursday, in the area of Corn Street and The Crofts.

The victim, in her mid-twenties, was walking when she was attacked by a man.

She sustained cuts and bruises and an ankle injury and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. She has since been discharged.

A 24-year-old man from west Oxfordshire was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape on Saturday and has been released on police bail until February 15.

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Police are appealing for witnesses, especially anyone in the area who had a 'lone woman knocking on their door in a distressed state' at these times.

Officers also revealed the attacker was seen approaching a different woman, before approaching the victim.

This woman was with the man near the Windrush Leisure Centre, Langdale Gate and Langdale Common, and police want to speak to this person to check on her welfare.

Investigating officer detective constable Charlotte Eden, of Force CID based at Banbury police station, said: “I am making an appeal to anybody who was in the vicinity of Corn Street and The Crofts between 1.30am and 3.50am on Thursday morning and believes they witnessed anything significant to make contact with police.

“I am also appealing to anybody in the area who had a lone woman knocking on their door in a distressed state between these times, or to anybody who was disturbed by this."

Anybody with any information about this incident are asked to call the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 43190016854.

If you do not wish to speak to police, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.