Group of men rape a woman in St Mary’s churchyard
28/09/2025
Police are appealing for a Good Samaritan to contact them
A woman has been raped by a group of men in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church in Banbury during the early hours of this morning (September 28).
The victim is in her thirties.
Thames Valley Police are appealing for a female Good Samaritan who they believe tried to help the victim to contact them.
Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Mark Personius said: “This is a horrific crime and Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough investigation to identify the offenders.
“We are supporting the victim with specifically trained officers at this extremely difficult time.
“I am making a public appeal to a specific witness, a woman, who we believe may have tried to help the victim. At this stage we don’t have a description of this Good Samaritan. However, if you believe you are the woman, please contact the police as you may have vital information that can help us piece together what happened.
“The town centre would have been busy on a Saturday night into the early hours of a Sunday morning. Therefore, I would also appeal to anyone else who saw or heard anything in the area between about 12am and 2.30am this morning to come forward.
“Please check any CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage you have from the area and if you have captured anything that you think may help us, please get in touch.
“You can contact the force by speaking to an officer at the scene, calling 101 or via a dedicated webpage for this investigation, where you can leave any footage from the area.
“There is a scenewatch in place at the church to enable us to carry our forensic examinations. We will also be conducting house to house and CCTV enquiries.
“I would like to thank local residents and businesses for their ongoing support while we are in the area carrying out our investigation.”
The investigation has been given reference number 43250495078.
Since the incident St Mary’s has been cordoned off, with this morning’s service cancelled and the planned Early Music Festival concert moved to the Whately Hall Hotel.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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