Thames Valley Police have launched a major investigation after a woman was gang raped in the grounds of St Mary's Church in Banbury, Oxfordshire. The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 28, with police confirming the victim, a woman in her 30s, was assaulted by multiple men in the churchyard and surrounding town center area. Detective Sergeant Mark Personius described the incident as a "horrific crime" and confirmed specially trained officers are supporting the victim.

Investigators are making a specific appeal to locate a woman who they believe attempted to intervene during the assault. DS Personius stated: "I am making a public appeal to a specific witness, a woman, who we believe may have tried to help the victim. At this stage we don't have a description of this Good Samaritan, but if you believe you are the woman, please contact police as you may have vital information." Police have not released descriptions of the attackers beyond indicating one was described as white.

Authorities are urging anyone who was in Banbury town center between midnight and 2:30 am to review any available footage from CCTV, dashcams, or mobile phones. A dedicated webpage has been established to allow direct uploading of potential evidence. The church canceled Sunday's parish Eucharist following the attack, with church officials confirming they are praying for the victim as forensic teams maintain a cordon around the crime scene.

Community leaders expressed shock at the violent incident, with local councillor Dr Chukwudi Okeke telling media that the attack has deeply affected the community. "I know this will have shocked the community," Okeke said. "I would like to reassure all residents that the police are doing their best to ensure that Banbury remains a safe place to live and visit." Police continue to conduct house-to-house enquiries and encourage anyone with information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, to come forward by calling 101 and quoting incident number 43250495078.

A long-awaited report into the practices of former NHS gynaecologist Daniel Hay has revealed significant failings in patient care that contributed to severe physical harm. The review, commissioned by the Gynaecology Review Steering Group and published on Wednesday, examined Mr. Hay's work at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust between 2015 and 2018. The investigation found that his risky practices and clinical shortcuts resulted in two women suffering severe physical harm and three experiencing moderate physical harm, with the report noting only "good fortune prevented further harm."

The panel reviewed 325 patients treated by Mr. Hay during the specified period, building upon an earlier assessment of 58 women conducted in 2019. The investigation identified numerous clinical deficiencies, including Mr. Hay's failure to take complete patient histories, omission of pre-operation scans, and inadequate documentation. His paperwork was described as "not of an acceptable standard," and he frequently failed to properly explain procedures or discuss risks and benefits with patients, leaving many feeling unsettled and uninformed about their treatment options.

Among the most concerning findings were instances where women underwent hysterectomies without proper consent or understanding of alternative treatments. The report indicated that some patients were made to feel that surgical removal of the womb was their "only option" when less invasive alternatives might have been available. This had profound consequences for women who dreamed of starting families, with the report noting the procedures "adversely affected" their mental health, relationships, and employment.

Following the report's publication, the NHS trust issued a formal apology, expressing being "truly sorry" to the women who received care "below the standards expected." The investigation has prompted recommendations to expand the review to include cases from 2012 to 2015, focusing on major and intermediate gynaecology surgeries. A criminal investigation into Mr. Hay's conduct remains ongoing as the healthcare system confronts the systemic failures that allowed these practices to continue unchecked for years.