Banbury churchyard gang rape: Police hunt attackers after ‘horrific’ assault on woman

Police have launched a major investigation after a woman in her 30s was gang-raped by a group of men in the grounds of St Mary’s Church in Banbury.

The attack happened in the early hours of Sunday in the churchyard and surrounding town centre area, Thames Valley Police confirmed.

Detectives believe another woman may have tried to intervene during the assault and are urgently appealing for her to come forward.

“We don’t yet have a description of this Good Samaritan,” said Det Sgt Mark Personius. “But if you believe you are the woman, please contact us — you may have vital information that can help us piece together what happened.”

The force is appealing to anyone who was in the area between midnight and 2:30am to come forward with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage.

“This was a horrific crime,” Det Sgt Personius added. “The victim is being supported by specially trained officers while we work tirelessly to identify those responsible.”

The churchyard and surrounding area have been cordoned off for forensic examination, while extra patrols are being carried out in Banbury town centre to reassure the public.

Police urged anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference 43250438113, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.