Urgent manhunt launched after woman raped by random stranger in churchyard

Police have opened an urgent probe after a woman was raped by a random stranger in a churchyard this morning.

The grim attack happened to a victim in her 20s, at St Mary’s Church, in Aylesbury town centre, Buckinghamshire.

It took place sometime between 5.30am and 6.15am, authorities said.

Police are hunting a suspect who is described as Asian and approximately in his 30s, reports the Express.

He fled the scene after the attack before the victim reported the crime to Thames Valley Police at around 6:40am.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Jason Simpson admitted the incident is "naturally very concerning" and said the victim is being supported by specialist officers.

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He said: "We are in the very early stages of this investigation and are conducting thorough enquiries to ascertain exactly what has happened.

"I am appealing to anybody who was in the general vicinity of St Mary’s Church or adjacent streets in the early hours of this morning to please contact Thames Valley Police if you believe you witnessed anything that can assist this investigation."

The top copper also asked for anyone who was driving in the area at the time to check their dash-cam footage.

"I would like to reassure the local community that we are investigating this as a priority," DI Simpson added.

"There will be a considerable and very visible police presence in the area while these investigations continue.

"We currently have a scene-watch in place in St Mary’s Churchyard and expect this to remain in place for some time.

"Our investigation also includes house to house and CCTV enquiries, and so if anybody living nearby has CCTV installed, please check this and get in touch if it has captured anything that can assist us."

Anyone with information is urged to report it online or call 101, quoting reference number 43210456425.

If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Victim Support for free, confidential advice on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website, www.victimsupport.org.uk.

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