In the early hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025, a woman in her thirties was raped by a group of men in the grounds of St Mary's Church and the surrounding area of Banbury town centre, Oxfordshire, according to multiple reports from BBC and other local news outlets. The attack, which unfolded between midnight and 2:30 a.m. BST, has left the community reeling and prompted an urgent police investigation, with authorities appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the perpetrators and seeking a specific witness believed to have intervened during the assault.
Thames Valley Police have described the incident as a "horrific crime," with Detective Sergeant Mark Personius leading the investigation. He stated, "This is a horrific crime and Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough investigation to identify the offenders." The victim, whose identity has not been released, is receiving support from specially trained officers as she navigates the aftermath of this traumatic event.
Details about the number of men involved in the attack remain unclear, and police have not issued any descriptions of the suspects. The lack of information has added to the urgency of the investigation, as officers work diligently to piece together the sequence of events from that night. The churchyard and its immediate vicinity, typically a place of reflection and community gatherings, have now become the focal point of a major criminal inquiry.
One of the key elements in the investigation is the search for a woman who is believed to have tried to help the victim during or immediately after the assault. Detective Sergeant Personius made a public appeal, saying, "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." This call for assistance underscores the potential significance of the witness's account, which could provide crucial leads for investigators.
Authorities have also appealed to anyone else who may have been in the area at the time. Given that Banbury town centre is often busy on a Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday morning, police believe there may be other witnesses who saw or heard something unusual. Detective Sergeant Personius emphasized this point, urging, "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."
In addition to eyewitness accounts, police are encouraging people to check any CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage they may have captured in the area during the relevant time frame. "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," Det Sgt Personius said, as reported by BBC and other outlets. This digital evidence could prove instrumental in reconstructing the events and identifying those responsible.
To support the investigation, a "scenewatch" has been established at St Mary's Church, allowing forensic teams to conduct thorough examinations of the site. Police are also conducting house-to-house inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from local businesses and residences. The investigation reference number, 43250495078, has been provided for members of the public wishing to submit information or footage directly to the police.
The response from the local community has been one of shock and concern. St Mary's Church, a historic and much-loved landmark in Banbury, issued a statement through a spokesperson expressing deep sadness about the incident. "We are deeply saddened to hear of this incident and are praying for the victim," the spokesperson said, echoing the sentiments of many residents who have been rattled by the news.
As the investigation unfolds, police have maintained a visible presence in the area, both to reassure the public and to facilitate the collection of evidence. Detective Sergeant Personius expressed gratitude to local residents and businesses for their cooperation: "I would like to thank local residents and businesses for their ongoing support while we are in the area carrying out our investigation." This collaboration between the police and the community is seen as vital to the progress of the case.
The attack has also reignited conversations about public safety in Banbury and the broader Oxfordshire area, particularly in spaces that are generally considered safe and communal. While violent crime remains relatively rare in this part of England, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of community solidarity in supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.
The victim is being cared for by specially trained officers, a protocol that reflects the police force's commitment to supporting those affected by serious sexual violence. These officers are trained to provide both practical assistance and emotional support, helping victims navigate the complex aftermath of such crimes and ensuring their needs are prioritized throughout the investigative process.
For those who may have information, police have made it as easy as possible to come forward. People can speak to officers at the scene, call 101, or use a dedicated webpage set up for the investigation. The hope is that by casting a wide net, authorities will be able to gather the evidence needed to make swift progress in the case.
In the meantime, the community of Banbury is left grappling with the impact of the crime. The grounds of St Mary's Church, usually a place of peace, have become a symbol of the urgent need for answers and justice. As police continue their search for the attackers and the Good Samaritan who may hold vital information, the town stands united in its resolve to support the victim and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The events of September 28, 2025, have left an indelible mark on Banbury, but they have also sparked a determined response from both law enforcement and local residents. With the investigation ongoing and appeals for information continuing, all eyes remain on St Mary's Church and the efforts to bring closure to a case that has shaken the community to its core.
