Thames Valley Police have launched an urgent appeal to locate a 23-year-old man wanted in connection with the alleged rape of a teenage girl in Banbury earlier this month.
James Doran, from Kidlington, is being sought following an incident on 11 August involving a teenage victim. Police have warned the public not to approach him and to call 999 immediately if they see him.
The wanted man is described as white with short ginger-brown hair and a ginger-brown beard. He is missing his right eye, a distinctive feature that may help with identification.
Wide-Ranging Search Area
Doran is known to frequent North Oxfordshire and South Warwickshire areas, but police warn he also has connections to Hillingdon in London and Leicestershire. This broad range of potential locations has prompted Thames Valley Police to issue a region-wide alert.
Detective Inspector Becky Sargeant, who is leading the investigation, made an urgent plea to the public. “We are urgently appealing for the public’s help in locating James Doran,” she said.
“Anyone with information about his current whereabouts should call 999. It is important that if you see him, please do not approach him, and instead call 999.”
Public Safety Warning
The police have emphasised that members of the public should not attempt to approach Doran under any circumstances. Instead, they should immediately contact emergency services on 999.
For those with information about Doran’s whereabouts but who have not seen him directly, police ask that they call 101 or submit information online, quoting reference 43250409668.
Anonymous tips can be provided through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. “If you do not wish to speak to the police you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, who will take your information 100% anonymously,” DI Sargeant added.
Serious Sexual Offences in Oxfordshire
The alleged attack comes against a backdrop of ongoing concerns about sexual violence in the Thames Valley region. The area has seen several high-profile cases in recent years, including the Banbury child sex abuse ring prosecutions in 2015.
Thames Valley Police serves a population of over 2.3 million across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. The force has specialist units dedicated to investigating sexual offences, working from headquarters in Kidlington.
Sexual assault cases in the region are handled by specially trained officers who understand the sensitive nature of such crimes. The force works closely with support services to ensure victims receive appropriate assistance.
Support for Victims
Thames Valley Police work with various support organisations to help victims of sexual assault. Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provide medical examinations and collect forensic evidence, whilst offering emotional support to victims.
Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs) are available through various organisations to support victims through the criminal justice process. These specially trained advisors help victims decide what action to take and coordinate health and support services.
Victim Support services are free, confidential, and available to anyone who has experienced sexual assault or rape, regardless of whether they have reported the crime to police. Support can be accessed weeks, months, or even years after an incident.
Crime Statistics Context
Kidlington, where Doran is from, is generally considered one of the safer towns in Oxfordshire. The town had an overall crime rate of 51 crimes per 1,000 people in 2023, which is 25 per cent lower than the Oxfordshire average.
However, sexual offences remain a serious concern across the Thames Valley region. In the year ending March 2022, police in England and Wales recorded 193,566 sexual offences, the highest level on record.
The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that 2.3 per cent of adults were victims of sexual assault in that period, equating to approximately 1.1 million adults nationally.
Investigation Resources
Thames Valley Police operates from its headquarters on Oxford Road in Kidlington, with 48 police stations across the region. The force has dedicated neighbourhood policing teams for each area, including specialist units for serious crimes.
The investigation into this case is being conducted by officers from the Banbury area, with support from the wider Thames Valley Police network. The force’s reach across multiple counties aids in cases where suspects may move between regions.
Police emphasise that sexual assault investigations are treated with the utmost seriousness. Improvements in recording practices and increased confidence in reporting have led to more cases being brought to police attention in recent years.
Public Appeal Continues
As the search for Doran continues, police stress the importance of public assistance in locating him. The distinctive physical description, particularly the missing right eye, should make identification more straightforward.
Anyone who believes they have seen Doran or knows his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately on 999. The investigation remains active, with officers following multiple lines of inquiry.
DI Sargeant reiterated the importance of public vigilance: “We need the public’s help to locate James Doran as quickly as possible. Please remain alert and contact us immediately if you have any information.”
The case highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting vulnerable young people from sexual predators and the importance of swift police action when such serious allegations arise. Thames Valley Police continue to prioritise the safety of all residents, particularly vulnerable individuals.
For those affected by sexual violence, support is available through various channels, including the 24-hour National Sexual Assault Helpline on 0800 656 4673 and local support services throughout the Thames Valley region.
