A WOMAN screamed for help when a man threatened her with a knife and pulled her into a churchyard in East Oxford.

Thames Valley Police officers are investigating after the 20-year-old woman was assaulted during the early hours of Thursday.

The victim was in Leopold Street at about 2.20am when the man threatened her with the knife.

He then pulled her into the entrance of St Mary and St John’s churchyard, where she fell and screamed for help.

Her attacker then ran off through the churchyard.

Police said the woman suffered minor injuries when she fell over but was otherwise unhurt.

The man is described as black, in his early 20s, 6ft tall, of muscular build, and was wearing dark clothing.

Det Con Steven Martin, of Oxford CID, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard any suspicious activity in the area, or a man matching the description we have given.”

Police are not linking it to any other incidents at this stage.

Telephone the police enquiry line 101 or contact Crimestoppers on an anonymous basis on 0800 555111.

Meanwhile, an operation to tackle street robbery in Oxford is launched by police today. Operation Buzzard, now in its third year, aims to protect the summer influx of tourists and students from street crime.