By Lucy Caulkett-
An appeal has been launched by Thames Valley Police following a brutal rape that occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning in the grounds of St Clements Church. The 20-year-old victim, who had been walking home from a night out in the city centre, was attacked between 3 am and 3:30 am.
According to Detective Chief Inspector James Horseman, who is leading the investigation, the assailant approached the victim and led her into the churchyard, where the harrowing assault took place.
The police are now seeking crucial information from potential witnesses who may have been leaving the Half Moon nightclub and could have interacted with either the victim or the suspect outside an estate agents on St Clements Street.
“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,” said Detective Chief Inspector Horseman.
Investigators are urging anyone who was in the vicinity of Marston Road and the entrance to St Clements Church between 3 am and 3:30 am or around the Half Moon nightclub in St Clements Street at approximately 3 am to come forward if they witnessed any interaction between a male and female outside Taylor’s estate agents.
The police have been conducting a thorough investigation since Sunday, and the victim is currently receiving support from specially trained officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Horseman sought to address concerns, stating, “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.”
He went on to appeal to the public for any information or dash-cam footage that could be relevant to the case. Individuals with pertinent details are encouraged to contact the police at 101, quoting reference number 43230520207, or submit a report online.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the gravity of the incident, emphasizing the importance of collective vigilance and cooperation to ensure the safety of residents in Oxford.