Shock and sadness have swept through Banbury, Oxfordshire, after a woman in her 30s was gang-raped by a group of men in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church in the early hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025. The attack, which took place between midnight and 2:30 AM BST, has prompted a major police investigation and a wave of appeals from community leaders, clergy, and detectives for witnesses to come forward.
According to Thames Valley Police, the assault occurred when the town centre was likely still bustling with activity from Saturday night. Detectives have described the crime as “horrific,” and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers as the investigation unfolds. One of the suspects has been identified as a white man, but police have not disclosed the total number of attackers or released further descriptions. Officers are working tirelessly to identify all those involved, with a police spokesman telling BBC, “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.”
Perhaps one of the most poignant details to emerge is the presence of a female “Good Samaritan” who attempted to help the victim during the attack. Police have not been able to identify her or provide a description, but they are urging her to come forward, believing she could hold vital information. Detective Sergeant Mark Personius, leading the investigation, made a direct appeal: “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.”
In addition to the search for this witness, Thames Valley Police are appealing to anyone who was in the town centre during the crucial window between midnight and 2:30 AM to check their CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage for anything that might assist the investigation. The force has established a dedicated online portal and is encouraging people to provide any information they might have, no matter how insignificant it may seem. The investigation reference number is 43250495078. Residents can also contact police by calling 101 or speaking to an officer at the scene.
As part of their efforts, police have instituted a scenewatch at St Mary’s Church to facilitate forensic examinations. House-to-house enquiries are underway, and CCTV from the surrounding area is being meticulously reviewed. Officers have thanked local residents and businesses for their ongoing support and cooperation during what they have described as a “thorough” investigation. “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,” said a police spokesman to IBTimes.
The emotional impact of the crime has reverberated through Banbury. Local leaders, clergy, and residents have expressed their shock, sadness, and determination to support the victim and help bring the perpetrators to justice. Banbury MP Sean Woodcock told BBC, “I know this will have shocked the entire community and all our thoughts are with the victim.” He emphasized the importance of allowing officers to conduct their investigation thoroughly and “to avoid any speculation.”
St Mary’s Church, a historic and much-loved landmark in Banbury, has been especially affected. The church’s vicar, Rev Serena Tajima, said, “We are greatly saddened to hear of the horrific incident that happened at our graveyard. Our prayers are with the victim at this difficult time.” She reflected on the timing of the attack, noting, “We had our early music festival that weekend and... to think that only a few hours later this awful thing was happening, it just makes it even worse.” The church has restricted access to its grounds and cancelled a scheduled parish Eucharist in the aftermath of the incident, asking parishioners to pray for those affected.
The Banbury Town Council issued a statement expressing its deep sadness and solidarity with the victim and her loved ones. “We are extremely shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the terrible incident that occurred in St Mary's Churchyard in the early hours of Sunday morning. Our thoughts are with the victim and those close to them at this incredibly difficult time, as well as the wider community of Banbury who will no doubt have been affected by this news.”
Detective Sergeant Personius has repeatedly described the crime as “horrific” and underscored the seriousness with which Thames Valley Police are approaching the investigation. “This is a horrific crime and Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough investigation to identify the offenders,” he said, as reported by the Evening Standard. He urged anyone who saw or heard anything in the area during the time of the attack to come forward, adding, “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 this morning to come forward.”
The community’s response has been one of unity, vigilance, and a renewed commitment to supporting victims of sexual violence. Local organizations specializing in victim care and counseling have offered their services, and police have reminded the public that anonymous tips can be submitted to Crimestoppers for those who may be reluctant to come forward directly.
As investigations continue, police have pledged to update the public with any new developments. They have reiterated that the victim is being cared for by specially trained officers and that their priority is both her wellbeing and the pursuit of justice. The incident has cast a shadow over Banbury, but it has also galvanized community leaders, residents, and law enforcement to work together in the search for answers and accountability.
For Banbury, the events of September 28, 2025, will not soon be forgotten. As detectives press on with their inquiries and the community rallies around the victim, the hope remains that those responsible will be brought to justice and that support for survivors of such crimes will only grow stronger.
