AN OFF-DUTY police officer told how she rescued a woman fleeing from a late night sex attack, before calling in colleagues to make an arrest.

Police are appealing for help after a 20-year-old woman was sexually assaulted near the Four Pillars Hotel, Abingdon.

Pc Emma Birch spotted the victim in distress, trying to flag down cars on the Marcham Road, as she drove home after finishing her shift at about 3am on Saturday.

Still in her uniform but driving her own car, she pulled over and the woman got in the passenger seat before they both followed the attacker along the road.

They directed on-duty police from nearby Abingdon Police Station to make an arrest.

Senior officers have praised Pc Birch for coming to the woman’s aid.

Pc Birch appealed for motorists who saw the panic-stricken women in the road but were too afraid to stop to come forward because they may have vital information.

She added: “She was in distress and flagged me down. I stopped and she said she had been attacked.

“She pointed out a man who was running away so I put her in my car and followed the man in my personal car until an officer on duty arrived and made the arrest.

“I followed behind at a safe distance so that we weren’t attacked.”

It is believed the woman was approached by the man on the path on the side of the road by the Four Pillars Hotel and the attack lasted up to 15 minutes.

The man was arrested about 500 yards down Marcham Road, near the junction with the A34.

Pc Birch added: “It sounds silly, but it is part of my job – you how to deal with situations like this. I know how to keep myself and others safe. But I also knew he had to be arrested.

“She was really distressed when I spoke with her but she was able to quite quickly calm down.

“I’m glad she stopped my car and I was able to put my training into force and help her out.

“Other cars had passed before I arrived who may have seen something. She had managed to fight him off, then start flagging down cars.

“We believe this all happened in the space of 15 minutes and people may have passed but didn’t stop, because understandably they were too scared and worried for their own safety at that time of night.

“Some people may have passed by and were concerned for their own welfare but we are appealing for these witnesses to come forward.”

Vale of White Horse police commander, Chief Insp Andy Boyd, said: “This police officer has demonstrated a high level of professionalism, exemplary dedication and commitment to her work, both on duty and off.”

A 34-year-old man arrested at the scene on suspicion of sexual assault has been released on bail.

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

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk