Thames Valley Police have concluded that there is no evidence to support an alleged gang rape of a woman in a churchyard in Banbury, Oxfordshire, last weekend. The investigation found that the reported attack did not take place as described.
The original report was made by a third party, claiming that a woman in her 30s was raped by a group of men in St Mary's churchyard in the early hours of Sunday. Police have stated they are not currently seeking anyone in connection with the investigation and continue to support the woman involved.
Earlier this week, police had appealed for a 'good samaritan' who may have tried to help the woman, and urged the public not to speculate about the incident. They confirmed there was no link to migrant accommodation, contrary to online speculation.
St Mary's Church cancelled its Sunday parish Eucharist and said it was praying for the victim. Police have reiterated that assumptions about the ethnic background of those involved are unfounded and unhelpful to the investigation.
