POLICE want to speak to a dog walker who they believe has 'significant information' in relation to the rape of a woman in Didcot.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the attack in which a woman in her thirties was approached from behind and tripped before being raped in Edmunds Park on Tuesday.

Police have reopened the park this evening but said patrols are continuing.

Today, the force said the attacker is described as a man 5ft 7ins or taller. He was wearing a dark hooded top with drawstrings, and wearing dark clothing.

Det Supt Paul Hayles, Head of Force CID, appealed for a 'specific, potential witness' - a man who was walking a dog in the park at the time of the offence.

He added: "It is believed the man may have been calling his dog ‘Billy’ and it is possible he had other dogs with him at the time.

"If you were this man in the park at around 7pm on Tuesday or if you recognise the description of the dog walker please contact police as you may have significant information for us.

"The park is a popular dog walking and running location and I would also urge anyone who was in the park at the time of the offence to contact police."

Officers are in the process of reviewing CCTV footage and conducting door-to-door enquiries in the surrounding area. Patrols continue around the park while the victim is being supported by specially-trained officers.

The community around Didcot is in shock after the violent attack, with the woman found in a distressed state by a member of the public in nearby Newlands Avenue at 7pm. 

Officers investigating said the attack happened at about 6.45pm near gym equipment close to the park entrance in Newlands Avenue.

Following the attack the rapist ran away in the direction of Park Road and about 7pm members of the public phoned police to say they had found the woman in a distressed state.

Det Supt Hayles said there was no evidence to suggest a link with the abduction and rape of a 14-year-old girl in Oxford on September 28.

Ch Insp Graham Wharton, Deputy Local Police Area Commander for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, said: "I am aware incidents of this nature can cause some concern in the local community.

"However, a team of detectives is working to identify and locate the offender.

"Officers are continuing to patrol the area and anyone who has any information or any concerns can approach and speak to a police officer.”

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

A police cordon has been put up around Edmonds Park, and people are not being allowed to enter or walk through the area. 

Residents said they were shocked by the incident.

Mum-of-four Eileen Lavery, 51, said: "It's really shocking and it does make you feel more vulnerable.

"My daughter works at Didcot Wave and doesn't finish her shift until about 10pm so I will be walking over to meet her now - I can't believe this has happened."

Swimmers using Didcot Wave pool in Newlands Avenue were also shocked by the incident.

Beryl Evans, 78, of Fairacres Road, meets friend Jane Broughton, 77, of Broughton Close, for a swim every morning.

She said: "I walk through the park every morning to get the Wave - I will walk round a different way now until someone is caught."

Mother-of-two and grandmother-of-three Mrs Broughton added: "I saw the police cars when I arrived for my swim - it's a terrible shame to hear about this."Oxford Mail:

The terrifying news comes two weeks after a schoolgirl was raped in Summertown, though police have not said the two atttacks are linked.

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Det Ch Insp Mark Glover said: “Officers are currently in the early stages of making enquiries in this investigation and ensuring the victim receives the appropriate support.

“I would like to appeal for any witnesses, or anyone who saw anything suspicious in this area at around the time of the incident, to contact police.

"Even if details seem insignificant to you, I urge you to come forward, as they may be important to the investigation."

"Officers are carrying out patrols in the area and anyone who has any information, or has any concerns, should approach and speak to an officer or call 101."

Oxford Mail:

A 40-year-old father-of-two, who lives in Newlands Avenue, near the entrance to Edmonds Park, said: "It's shocking to hear about this - my wife is very worked up about it.

"It's usually quite quiet around here - I hope they catch whoever did it as soon as possible."

A 25-year-old shop worker added: "It's a worrying situation for women living in the area."