Oxfordshire residents have been warned to take caution when out running after an alleged assault occurred in a rural town.
An anonymous social media post was made in a community Facebook group for Wallingford, asking people, especially women, to stay safe while the incident is under investigation.
The alleged incident took place on November 1 in the Crowmarsh area and involved a female runner who was harassed by an “impatient tractor driver” while using a public right of way.
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The post said: “[the driver] sped past her and was verbally abusive, then physically assaulted her and smashed her phone before driving off.”
It was reported to 999 at the time, police have identified the man and are treating it as a “serious incident”.
It was reported that this is the second time the runner was harassed by the man in the same place, as an incident which was not reported occurred six months previously.
The anonymous group member wrote: “This used to be a safe, mostly off-road running route that the lady no longer feels able to use on her own.
“The police suggested to make the community aware they can use the 101 service online form to quickly report any incidents or crimes, no matter how serious they may or may not seem at the time.
“Recording events using 101 builds sequences of events, can support putting measures in place to keep us safe and help with investigations such as these.”
Crimes can be reported at www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report or by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
Thames Valley Police was contacted for comment, but did not reply.
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