Oxford has reacted in shock and sadness after a woman was raped close to a Travelodge.

The incident occurred at around 11.50pm on Tuesday, November 5 as a woman met and spoke with a man near to the Travelodge on Abingdon Road.

They then walked together before he then led her to a field where he proceeded to sexually assault her say Thames Valley Police.

The victim is being supported by specially trained officers and a manhunt has now been launched for the culprit.

READ MORE: Police tape off field as forensics descend and set up tent

Forensics at the scene near Abingdon Road.Forensics at the scene near Abingdon Road. (Image: Newsquest)

Officers describe the offender as a man of black mixed heritage, around 35 to 37 years old, with beard, with dark black hair with a short back and sides.

He is thought to have ridden off on a bicycle and may have been carrying a blue/green delivery bag.

The city has been left shocked by the sinister attack and some of Oxford’s representatives have commented on

Emily Kerr, Green Party city councillor for St Mary's ward, said: “I’m incredibly sad to hear about this and my thoughts are with the victim.

“As a woman who relies on walking and cycling to get around our city, I’ve walked this route myself and I can only imagine the fear and terror she must have felt.

READ MORE: Oxford manhunt launched after woman raped near Travelodge

Police at the scene in Oxford.Police at the scene in Oxford. (Image: Newsquest)

“We need to do more collectively to address the underlying causes of violence against women and girls and reduce the chances of attacks like this happening to anyone else.”

Police forensics were spotted in the field off Abingdon Road, opposite Travelodge, on Wednesday, scouring the field where the incident occurred.

A blue tent was erected at the site close to the bushes while two members of the forensics team worked in close proximity.

Also spotted at the scene was the forensics van and a police patrol car as well as one police officer standing guard while the crime scene was cordoned off with tape.

Detective Inspector Krista Thompson said: “We are carrying out extensive enquiries following this incident and supporting the victim and working with her to gather further information.

READ MORE: Man AND woman arrested after schoolboy hospitalised in ‘hit-and-run’ crash

“Further patrols have been put in place following this incident and members of the public will see a police presence while our enquiries are ongoing.

“We are asking anyone with information to please come forward and would ask people to please check their CCTV, or if they were driving in the area at around 11.50am to check any dash-cam footage they may have.

“If you have information please call 101 quoting reference 43240536294 or if you have dash-cam or CCTV footage please upload it to our dedicated page.”

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