A woman was raped in an Oxford churchyard in the early hours of this morning (Sunday, November 19).

The incident took place between between 3am and 3.30am in the grounds of St Clement's Church in Marston Road.

Thames Valley Police has said the victim, a woman aged 20, was walking back from the city centre and was approached by a man who took her into the churchyard off Marston Road where she was then assaulted.

Officers have been investigating the incident throughout today, Sunday, November 19.

A forensics tent was set up in the church entrance and the area cordoned off this morning with police remaining on the scene throughout the day. 

They believe the victim and the offender were outside Taylor’s estate agents in St Clements Street and were spoken to by members of the public who had left the nearby Half Moon nightclub.

READ MORE: Oxford church cordoned off by police with forensics tent set up following incident 

The victim is now being supported by specially trained officers at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector James Horseman, investigating the incident, said: “I appreciate that this is likely to cause a great deal of concern to people, but I would like to reassure everybody that we are conducting a thorough investigation. I’d also like to reassure people that we believe this was an isolated incident.

“Prior to the offence taking place, we believe that the offender and victim were outside Taylor’s estate agents in St Clements Street and were spoken to by members of the public who had left the Half Moon nightclub. We are particularly interested in talking to these people."

Police are now appealing for any other witnesses in the area at the time and those who may have information about the incident to come forward.

 

DCI Horseman added: ““I’d like to appeal to anyone who has any information or dash-cam footage which could be relevant to come forward at this time. Your information could be really important to our investigation.

"Were you in the vicinity of Marston Road and the entrance to St Clements Church between 3am and 3.30am? Were you in the vicinity of the Half Moon nightclub in St Clements Street at around 3am this morning and did you witness an encounter between a male and female outside Taylor’s estate agents?

“If so, you could hold vital information. Please come forward by calling our non-emergency number on 101, quoting reference number 43230520207, or make a report online.

“Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to any of our officers in the area, who will do all they can to help you.”