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An attack in which a woman was gang-raped in the churchyard of an Anglican church is not currently linked to migrant-related accommodation, police have said while warning against public speculation about the identities of the attackers.
A woman in her 30s was attacked by a group of men in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church in Banbury during the early hours of Sunday, reports the Daily Telegraph.
“We are aware of speculation circulating regarding the possible ethnic background or origin of the individuals connected to this incident,” said the Thames Valley Police, while noting that one of the suspects was reportedly a white man.
“At this stage, we have no further verified description of those involved, and any assumptions being made are unfounded and unhelpful to the investigation.
“We can confirm there is no information at this stage to link this investigation to migrant accommodation. We urge the public to refrain from speculation.”
The Rev Serena Tajima, the vicar at St Mary’s, said she was “absolutely devastated” about the incident.
“It is heartbreaking that it happened right here,” she said.
According to the Telegraph, a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed the churchyard has become a hotbed of disreputable behaviour, with men drinking on benches throughout the day.
Police officers have appealed for a woman who tried to stop the attack to come forward.
Det Sgt Mark Personius said: “This is a horrific crime and Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough investigation to identify the offenders.
“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 12 a.m. and 2.30 a.m [on Sunday morning] to come forward.”
St Mary’s Church, which was rebuilt by an Act of Parliament in the 1790s, replacing an even larger medieval building, is Banbury’s only Grade I listed building and its most conspicuous landmark.
It was the largest parish church built in England in the 18th century, and remains among one of the country's largest parish churches today. It has been identified as a "major parish church" by the Church Buildings Council.
“Our prayers are with the victim and also with the good samaritan,” said Rev Serena Tajima.
Photo: St Mary’s Church, Banbury (image from facebook.com/stmaryschurchbanbury/photos).
