A 46-year-old man has been arrested overnight on suspicion of raping a woman in a churchyard.

The arrest of the Oxford man is in connection with an incident that occurred between 3am and 3.30am yesterday at St Clement's Church.

Police say 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 raped.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Lisa Jones, of Oxford Criminal Investigation Department (CID), said: “We are continuing to investigate this incident and have made an arrest in connection with it.

“The victim is being supported by specially trained officers.

“I know that incidents such as this cause a great deal of concern, but I would like to reassure the local community that we have made an arrest and we do believe this to have been an isolated incident."

Police are appealing to two specific witnesses who may have "crucial information" that could assist the investigation.

It is believed that the man and a woman intervened in an incident between the suspect and the victim in the area of The Plain Roundabout at around 3am.

The individuals are urged to get in touch with Thames Valley Police, either by contacting them online via the website or by calling 101, quoting the reference 43230520207.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555 111 for complete anonymity.

“We are investigating this incident as a priority, and we will provide updates when we are able to,” DS Jones concluded.