Force confirms only one attacker was white whilst refusing to share ethnicity information on other men involved in horrific Banbury assault as woman who tried to help victim urged to contact officers
Thames Valley Police has released details of a “white” man involved in a gang rape at a churchyard in Oxfordshire, but has not shared ethnicity information on any other suspects involved in the attack on a woman in her thirties.
The victim was raped outside St Mary’s Church in Banbury and the surrounding area of the town centre in the early hours of Sunday morning. The force’s decision to release only partial suspect information has raised questions about the investigation’s transparency.
In a statement to media enquiries about the suspects, Thames Valley Police said: “We only have a description that one of the men was white. We are working tirelessly to try to identify the offenders and will share more with the public as soon as we can, as we have done already.”
The force confirmed they have no other descriptive information about the remaining attackers, despite the incident involving multiple perpetrators. When pressed for further details about the other suspects, police maintained they could not provide any additional ethnicity or appearance information at this time.
Police appeal for witnesses and footage
Detective Sergeant Mark Personius, leading the investigation, described the attack as a “horrific crime” and confirmed Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough investigation. The force has urged everyone who was in the town last night to check any CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area.
“We would urge everyone in the town last night to 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,” the police statement read.
The attack occurred between approximately midnight and 2.30am on Sunday morning when the town centre would have been busy with people leaving bars and venues. Officers believe multiple witnesses may have crucial information about the incident.
Search for ‘Good Samaritan’ witness
Police are making an urgent appeal to trace a specific female witness who they believe tried to help the victim during the attack. Officers say this woman may have vital information that could help identify the perpetrators.
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.”
He added: “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 detective emphasised the importance of this witness coming forward, noting that her testimony could be crucial to the investigation’s success.
Limited suspect information raises questions
The police’s release of information about only one suspect’s ethnicity has prompted discussion about the investigation’s approach. The force has confirmed that one attacker was white but stated they have no descriptive details about the other men involved in the group attack.
This limited release of information comes as Thames Valley Police conducts house-to-house enquiries and CCTV analysis to identify all perpetrators. The force maintains it will share more information with the public “as soon as we can.”
The investigation reference number 43250495078 has been provided for anyone wishing to submit information about the case.
Town centre location of attack
The assault took place at St Mary’s Church and the surrounding area of Banbury town centre during what would typically be a busy period on a Saturday night into Sunday morning. The location’s centrality means multiple people may have been in the vicinity when the attack occurred.
Detective Sergeant Personius said: “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 Sunday morning to come forward.”
Police have emphasised that even those who don’t believe they witnessed anything significant should come forward, as small details could prove crucial to the investigation.
Victim receiving specialist support
Thames Valley Police confirmed the victim, a woman in her thirties, is being supported by specially trained officers experienced in handling sexual assault cases. The force emphasised the support being provided during what they acknowledged as an “extremely difficult time” for the victim.
The specialist officers are trained to support victims through the investigation process and ensure they receive appropriate care and assistance. This support is part of Thames Valley Police’s approach to handling serious sexual offences.
Church forced to cancel services
St Mary’s Church released a statement confirming they had no access to the church following the incident. The church was forced to cancel Sunday’s parish Eucharist service due to the ongoing police investigation.
In their statement, church officials said: “Due to an incident in the churchyard last night, we currently have no access to church. It is with deep regret that we are therefore having to cancel Sunday’s parish Eucharist.”
They added: “Please pray for those affected by whatever happened last night.”
The church’s closure underscores the serious nature of the investigation and the extensive crime scene examination being conducted by police forensics teams.
Investigation methodology
Thames Valley Police confirmed they are conducting comprehensive house-to-house and CCTV enquiries to identify the perpetrators. The force is examining all available evidence from the area, including security camera footage from nearby businesses and residential properties.
Officers are particularly interested in any mobile phone footage that may have been captured by members of the public in the area at the time. The proliferation of smartphones means bystanders often inadvertently capture important evidence that can assist investigations.
Community urged to assist
The police have asked anyone with information to speak to an officer at the scene, call 101, or use a dedicated webpage for this investigation where footage from the area can be submitted. The force emphasised that all information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove valuable.
Members of the public can also submit footage directly through the investigation’s dedicated portal, allowing for secure transfer of potentially crucial evidence. This modern approach to evidence gathering has proved successful in previous investigations.
Questions over information release
The police’s statement that they have only one suspect description – that of a white male – whilst having no information about other attackers has raised questions about witness statements and the information gathered so far.
The force’s assertion that they are “working tirelessly” to identify offenders whilst simultaneously stating they have no descriptions of most suspects suggests the investigation may be facing challenges in gathering witness testimony or that witnesses may have had limited visibility during the incident.
Appeal continues
Thames Valley Police reiterated their appeal for anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. The force is particularly keen to speak with anyone who was in the town centre between midnight and 2.30am on Sunday morning.
Detective Sergeant Personius stressed: “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.”
The investigation remains active, with officers continuing to pursue multiple lines of enquiry. The force has committed to sharing more information with the public as soon as it becomes available, though no timeline has been provided for when additional suspect descriptions might be released.
Contact information
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting investigation reference number 43250495078. Information can also be submitted through the force’s dedicated webpage for this investigation.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be given without providing personal details.
The investigation continues, with Thames Valley Police maintaining that identifying and apprehending all those responsible remains their priority. The force has asked for patience from the public whilst they conduct their enquiries, promising to release more information when possible.
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