Woman snatched from street at knifepoint and raped in park next to Oxford Brookes University campus
Man arrested on suspicion of rape remains in police custody
A WOMAN was snatched off the street at knifepoint and raped in a park next to a university campus last night.
Police have launched a large scale investigation with forensic teams swarming Raleigh Park close to Oxford Brookes University's Botley campus.
Today detectives revealed the woman had been approached from behind on the street just before 8pm and forced to park at knifepoint, where she was raped.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said the rape is being linked to a crash involving a black VW Golf in the village of Wytham, Oxon, just four miles north of the crime scene.
A 38-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of rape is in police cells waiting to the quizzed by detectives.
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Detective Inspector Jim Holmes said: "We are asking for the public's help in investigating this very serious incident.
"We are appealing to anyone who saw or heard anything unusual in the area to come forward.
"We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen a man matching the description running away from the Harcourt Hill area shortly after 8.25pm, or anyone who saw a man matching the description with a woman in that area last night.
"We are also interested in speaking to residents in Wytham, following a traffic collision involving a black VW Golf, shortly before 11pm last night. We are linking this road traffic collision to the rape."
Local Policing Area Commander, Superintendent Rory Freeman added: "This is an appalling offence and our priority is the victim, who is being supported by specially trained officers.
"Residents will see an increased police presence in the area, including a scenewatch and foot patrols by officers. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to speak to a police officer or police community support officer.
"We are conducting a thorough investigation and have arrested a 38-year-old man from Oxford on suspicion of rape. He is currently in police custody at this time."
The attacker was described as a white man, about 30-years-old, muscular and just under 6ft. He was wearing dark black clothing, and a hat.
Residents have described their shock at the horrifying crime.
Ben Hill told the Oxford Mail: "My housemate and I were driving up the hill to the gym at Oxford Brookes at about 6.20am.
"Half way up the hill were three police cars and a police van.
"They had cordoned off a house, and police were stopping drivers heading up the hill."
Oxford Brookes University has more than 10,000 students.
An university spokesman said: "The university is aware of police presence close to the Harcourt Hill campus this morning and is cooperating with any inquiries required.
"We will not be making any further comment at this stage and any inquiries need to be directed to Thames Valley Police."
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