Violent assault in the heart of Oxford prompts safety fears
Police are appealing for witnesses after a 19-year-old girl was assaulted and raped in an alleyway in Oxford city centre on Wednesday 21st March. The victim was walking along Market Street and stopped off in an alleyway to light her cigarette. Her attacker approached her, asking for a light, and then attacked her. The attack is thought to have occurred at around 2am near the Covered Market.
The site was cordoned off soon after while forensic officers investigated. CCTV footage of the city centre is also being reviewed closely. The man has been described as being 5ft 10in, heavy set, and wearing a beanie hat. Det Insp Kev Elkins from Oxford CID said, “We want to speak to anyone who was in the Cornmarket Street, Market Street or Turl Street areas between 1.30am and 2.30am.
“We must stress this sort of attack is extremely rare in Oxford, but we advise lone women to take care, especially if they are out drinking. As usual, we urge women to stay with friends and avoid quiet streets.” The attack has prompted female students to reconsider their safety. Nitika Agarwal, a first-year PPEist at Queen’s College, said, “When you are in the ‘Oxford bubble’, it is sometimes easy to believe that everyone is just a friendly student.
But I do keep reminding myself that it is a city and it isn’t safe to walk around alone late at night. There are some particularly dodgy areas, like Magdalen Bridge.” Rati Rishi, a first-year University College student, said, “I feel much safer here than in London, but Oxford is like any other city. You just have be as sensible as you would be anywhere else.
19th Apr 2007