Extra patrols a week after violent rape in city

Police have been carrying out extra patrols near where a woman was raped as she walked home.

A week after the horrific attack, officers were patrolling in Oundle Road in Woodston appealing for more information to catch the rapist.

A woman was raped in the area following a night out between 3.15 am and 4.30 am on Saturday, July 23.

The victim was approached by a man who spoke to her briefly before grabbing her by the hair and dragging her to a more secluded location where she was sexually assaulted. Police have not revealed where on Oundle Road the rape occurred, but patrols took place between the London Road junction and Palmerston Road.

Following the assault the woman, in her 40s, was able to make it to a place of safety where she raised the alarm.

In the past week police have been taking statements from witnesses and con- ducting searches and house to house enquiries. They have also been examining CCTV from the city centre.

DI Lucy Thomson said: “We hope that the activity in the area will help to jog someone’s memory about something they saw that could help us to catch the offender. It’s possible someone might have seen or heard a man matching the description talking to a woman who may have seemed quite distressed.”

Police are keen to speak to a man described as black, around5’8” of medium build and aged in his 30s, who spoke with a foreign accent. On the night of the incident the man was described as wearing black jeans and a black t-shirt.

Anyone with information about the attack should call the dedicated number on 01480 422793 or can contact police on 101 referencing Op Requisite. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.