Banbury churchyard rape leaves community shocked

Community leaders have described their shock after a woman was raped by a group of men in a churchyard.

The victim, in her 30s, was attacked in the grounds of St Mary’s Church in Banbury, Oxfordshire, in the early hours of Sunday.

Thames Valley Police said one of the offenders had been described as white but that this was the only description available. The force has not said how many attackers were believed to have been involved.

The town council, the local MP and the church’s vicar appealed for anyone with information on the “horrific” attack to contact police.

Police are also appealing for a woman who they believe may have tried to help the victim, as well as anyone else in the area between midnight and 02:30 BST, to get in touch.

Banbury MP Sean Woodcock said: “I know this will have shocked the entire community and all our thoughts are with the victim.”

He said it was important to allow officers to investigate properly and “to avoid any speculation”.

A Banbury Town Council spokesperson said: “We are extremely shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the terrible incident that occurred in St Mary’s Churchyard in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“Our thoughts are with the victim and those close to them at this incredibly difficult time, as well as the wider community of Banbury who will no doubt have been affected by this news.”

Rev Serena Tajima said her church was “greatly saddened to hear of the horrific incident that happened at our graveyard”.

“Our prayers are with the victim at this difficult time,” she added.

Detectives have described the crime as “horrific” and previously said an investigation was under way to identify the offenders.

The victim is being supported by specially trained officers.