A WOMAN was raped and another sexually assaulted in two separate incidents on the same night in the city.

It brings the number of attacks this summer to nine with police last night warning women not to walk home alone late at night.

A 30-year-old woman told of her “anger and disgust” after she was attacked in Marsh Road, Cowley, early yesterday morning.

Police also said they were investigating an unconnected report of a rape in Balfour Road, Blackbird Leys, at 11pm on Thursday.

The incidents follow a spate of sexual assaults in East Oxford and Cowley earlier this year, which are not thought to be linked to the recent attacks.

Det Insp Simon Morton said there would be a “concentrated presence” of officers in the Cowley Road area this weekend.

He also suggested a “common sense” approach to safety for women walking home late at night.

And added: “Don’t go home alone, make sure you get a taxi or walk home with a friend.”

The victim of yesterday’s Marsh Road incident was walking near the Marsh Harrier pub at 1.20am after a night out with friends.

She said: “I’ve lived in Oxford for nearly five years and have always felt safe here so this came as a huge shock. My initial feeling was anger and disgust that someone could treat me in this way.

“Although the incident itself was brief and relatively minor, it really opened my eyes to how vulnerable I was, this man could have dragged me into Marsh Park, or up a deserted unlit footpath and it could have been much, much more serious.

“It doesn’t bear thinking about and I do feel a little shaky imagining what could have happened.

“I still believe Oxford is generally safe and a fantastic place to live, but from now on I will always get a taxi, a bus or travel with friends.

“In hindsight it was really stupid to walk home on my own, but you never think something like this will happen to you. Now I realise it can.”

The woman’s skirt has been taken away for forensic analysis as detectives continue to hunt for clues to identify the sex attacker.

He is described as Middle Eastern with fairly dark skin, aged in his mid to late 20s, between 5ft 8in and 5ft 10in tall and of medium build.

He had short dark hair, designer stubble and was wearing a red T-shirt and light-coloured trousers.

Det Insp Simon Morton said: “There is a possibility that other women have been assaulted and if that is the case I would urge them to come and talk to us, even if it is just for information.”

Meanwhile, officers are carrying out an investigation after a 25-year-old woman reported being raped in an alleyway close to Balfour Road at about 11pm on Thursday.

Her attacker is described as being olive skinned with dark hair. He spoke with a foreign accent and wore a dark T-shirt and jeans, was 5ft 8in tall and of a medium build.

Anyone with information about the rape case should call 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Anyone with information about the Marsh Road attack should call PC Mavindra Narrainsawmy on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers.