A MAN came to the aid of a woman in East Oxford then attempted to rape her.

The 29-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in the alleyway from Shelley Road to Boundary Brook Road at around 2.45am yesterday.

It is believed the man had been walking with her after coming to her rescue on Cowley Road.

Thames Valley Police investigating officer Det Sgt Matt Jarman said: “The offender is believed to have come to the assistance of the woman shortly before the incident, when she received some unwanted attention from some men in Cowley Road, near to the junction of Howard Street.

“He is thought to have walked with her along Howard Street and Cricket Road, before assaulting her in an alleyway off Shelley Road.

“She managed to call police and the man ran off. Thankfully she wasn’t injured, but has been left understandably shaken by the incident.”

The offender is described as an Asian man, aged about 22, about 5ft 10ins and of large build.

He has short hair and a closely shaven beard, spoke with a foreign accent and was wearing a tracksuit.

Det Sgt Jarman said: “We’re keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, thinks they saw the man with the victim prior to it, or has any other information which may assist us with our investigation.”

Another attempted rape was reported at about 2.20am on the same morning at the Bell and Compass, formerly Que Pasa, in New Road.

The incident is said to have occurred in the female toilets.

The man is described as being in his late 20s with a tanned complexion and short dark-brown hair which was gelled back from the forehead. He was wearing a white T-shirt.

There have been 10 other attacks over the summer in East Oxford, Cowley, Rose Hill and Blackbird Leys.

Anyone with information can contact police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.