Woman raped by group of men in churchyard

A woman has been raped by a group of men in a churchyard in Banbury.

The woman, in her 30s, was attacked in the grounds of St Mary’s Church and the surrounding area of the town centre in the early hours of Sunday morning, Thames Valley Police said.

The force is appealing for another woman, who may have tried to help the victim, to come forward.

Det Sgt Mark Personius said an investigation into the “horrific crime” was under way to identify the offenders. The victim is being supported by specially trained officers.

He also appealed for anyone else who may have seen something around the area between midnight and 02:30 BST on Sunday to contact police.

“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,” Det Sgt Personius said.

@ BBC