POLICE have launched an investigation after a woman said she was dragged into woodland off a busy Oxford road and raped.

The woman in her thirties said she was walking on Abingdon Road at around 11.50pm last night when she was approached by a man near to the junction with Gordon Woodward Way.

This is opposite the entrance to Old Abingdon Road and the Travelodge Hotel.

The woman said the man pulled her into a wooded area and raped her.

The man, who she described as tall, white, skinny and aged in his forties, then left the scene, she said.

She also said he was wearing a dark-coloured jacket.

This morning officers cordoned off the green space with police tape.

Several officers are now guarding the area and it is possible a search has taken place.

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Oxford Mail:

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector James Mather, of Oxford CID, said: "We are in the very early stages of this investigation, and we currently have a scene-watch in place opposite the Travelodge on Abingdon Road at the junction with Gordon Woodward Way.

"I fully appreciate the concern that this will cause in the local community, and we are investigating this incident with the utmost priority.

"There will be an increased police presence in the area throughout the day, and I would urge anybody who has any information or concerns to please speak to one of our officers at the scene.

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Oxford Mail:

“I am also asking anybody who has any information relating to this incident, or believes that they witnessed anything that can assist this investigation to please contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference number 43200216757.

"I would also urge anybody who was driving in the area and has dash-cam in their vehicles to please look at this and contact police if it has captured anything that can help this investigation.

“If you do not wish to speak directly with police, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 er cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“The victim is currently being supported by specially trained officers and will continue to be at the forefront of this investigation.

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Oxford Mail:

“A number of area searches and enquiries have already been conducted.

“I would like to assure the community that we will continue to thoroughly investigate this incident, and I would re-iterate if you have any concerns or information, please don’t hesitate to speak to officers.”

This investigation is not connected to the heavy police presence at Redbridge Hollow traveller site on Tuesday night.

Police helicopters were out most of the night, until at least 3am, and a man, aged 30, from Oxford, has been arrested on suspicion of threatening to damage or destroy property and remains in police custody at this time.