A man was arrested last night by an off-duty police officer in Abingdon after an attempted rape.

At about 3am a 20-year-old woman was walking along the Marcham Road, near the Four Pillars Hotel, in the direction of the A34 when she was approached by a man and sexually assaulted, police spokesman Claire Gourlay said.

A passing off-duty police officer came to the woman’s aid and arrested a 34-year-old man at the scene. He remains in custody.

Miss Gourlay added: “Although there has been an arrest we would appeal for anyone who may have seen the woman walking along the road at that time to come forward.

"There were quite a lot of cars that would have driven passed.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.