Police want to trace a couple who spoke to a woman shortly before she was raped in a Banbury park.

The 25-year-old woman was attacked by a man in West Street, Grimsbury, at about 12.30am yesterday.

She was dragged into the nearby park and raped.

The attacker is aged between 30 and 40, about 5ft 8in, and was possibly wearing a long-sleeved white top.

Det Sgt Steve Duffy, of Banbury CID, said: "I'm very keen to speak to a man and woman who spoke to the victim shortly before the incident took place. The couple were in West Street, close to the junction of Moorfield Court.

"These people may have information that could assist our inquiries and I urge them to contact police immediately.

"I would like to reassure the community of Banbury that incidents like this are extremely rare and we have stepped up patrols to reassure residents."

Anyone with information should call Banbury CID on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.