POLICE are desperately searching for witnesses after a “traumatic” sex attack on Cowley Road this morning.

At around 12.45am, a woman was walking alone down Bartlemas Road when she was approached by a stranger – holding a white pole – who offered to walk her home.

BREAKING: A man has now been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. 

She told the man she wanted to be left alone and she sat down by a parked car.

He proceeded to sit next her and sexually assaulted her under her clothing.

A member of the public disturbed the offender – who made a getaway.

He is described as white, between 30 and 50 years old, slim, around 6ft tall with dark black or brown hair which was shaggy and came over his ears down to his neck.

He appeared greasy and unkempt and was carrying a white plastic pipe (around 3ft to 4ft in length).

At the time he was wearing dark coloured trousers and a dark coloured jumper.

Senior Investigating officer, Detective Inspector James Mather, said: “This was a traumatic incident for the victim and she is being supported by specially trained officers.

“We are carrying out a thorough investigation in order to trace the offender in this case.

“We are appealing for the public’s assistance and would ask anyone with information to please to come forward.

“Additionally if you have CCTV or may have been travelling along Bartlemass  or Cowley Road between 12.30am and 12.50am this morning (11/11) and may have captured anything that could help our investigation then please do get in touch.

“Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 43210509575 or they can also report online using the same reference.

“If you wish to report anonymously you can do so by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We are aware that this incident may cause some concern within the community. Patrols will be increased in the East Oxford area and we would advise anyone with concerns to please speak to one of our uniformed officers or if they have any information to please share it.”

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