DETECTIVES have launched an investigation after a woman told police she was raped by two men in an Oxford hotel.

The 39-year-old has said was attacked at the Holiday Inn Express, at the Kassam Stadium, in the early hours of Sunday.

Last night, officers appealed to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to come forward.

Police believe the woman met the men in The Bridge nightclub, in Hythe Bridge Street, before heading to the hotel.

Two men, both aged 32 and from Essex and London, were arrested on suspicion of rape on Sunday morning and later bailed until May 8.

l From Page One Det Insp Steve Raffield said: “We believe that the people involved met at The Bridge nightclub before the incident, and went to the Holiday Inn from there.

“I want to reassure people that this incident doesn’t appear to be connected to any previous incident at The Bridge.”

In October, a woman claimed she was raped after leaving The Bridge with a man she met earlier. No-one has ever been charged.

Hotel general manager Chris Mason said: “We are fully co-operating with the police on this matter.”

Thames Valley Police spokesman Danny Donovan said the victim is being looked after by specially trained officers.

He said: “Incidents like this always serve to remind us all to stay safe. Think about how you are going to get home. Ask a family member or friend to pick you up, or pre-book a licensed taxi.

“During the night, keep an eye on your mates and stick together so that you can look after each other.”

He added: “If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, you need to report it immediately. The sooner you call us, the more chance we have of making an arrest.”

Thames Valley Police did not release details about the rape until contacted by the Oxford Mail yesterday.

Oxford pensioner Jimmy Hayes, who recently criticised the police for a slow response to issuing information on crimes, hit out a this latest delay. A victim of vandalism and burglary himself, Mr Hayes said: “The police should have put something out to warn women. They were slow on that.”

Anyone with information about the rape should call police on 08458 505 505, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.