Reassurance patrols in Wantage and Grove after rape and sexual assaults
Police investigate three incidents, community urged to remain vigilant
Thames Valley Police officers are carrying out patrols in Wantage and Grove following reports of a rape and two sexual assaults in the area.
The first incident occurred at approximately 11.15pm on 27th January, when a woman in her late teens was walking alone along Grove Road.
She was approached by a man on a black bicycle with a white frame and led to an area behind Mably Way, where she was raped. The man fled the scene on his bicycle and was last seen heading toward the traffic lights near Lidl.
The suspect in this case is described as a man of mixed ethnic background, believed to be in his mid-thirties, around 5ft 6ins tall, with short black hair.
Police are also investigating two other incidents in the same area, including one sexual assault on 21st January and one attempted sexual assault on 24th January.
The first occurred at around 9.30pm on Cane Lane, Grove, when a man approached a woman in her late twenties. After briefly speaking to her, he followed her along Main Street towards Grove Garage and sexually assaulted her.
The suspect in this incident is described as a man of mixed ethnic background, believed to be in his fifties, about 5ft 7ins tall, with slight stubble facial hair.
The second incident happened between 11.50pm and midnight on 24th January, when a woman in her forties was walking alone along Mayfield Avenue near Oxford Lane in Grove. A man followed her, crossed the road, and attempted to sexually assault her.
The suspect in the attempted assault is described as a man of mixed ethnic background, approximately 5ft 6ins tall, with acne scarring on his face.
No arrests have been made at this time.
Oxfordshire Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Andrew O’Hanlon has reassured residents that the incidents are being thoroughly investigated.
“We understand that incidents like these can be worrying for local residents, and I want to reassure everyone in Wantage and Grove that we are robustly investigating what has happened to identify those responsible," Chief Inspector O’Hanlon said.
“Our investigation is moving quickly with a significant number of enquiries ongoing. This is a complex and challenging investigation that is deeply traumatic for those involved, and we are working at the pace of the victims so will seek to keep the community updated as information develops.”
He urged residents to remain aware of their surroundings and avoid speculating or sharing unverified information, as this could impact the investigation.
Police continue to carry out patrols and speak with residents while reviewing CCTV footage from the area.