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.

Police in Newry are investigating a violent altercation that occurred outside the Buttercrane Shopping Centre on Francis Street on Saturday evening. The incident, which involved a group of young males, took place at approximately 5:40 pm on October 18, prompting emergency services to respond to the scene.

Three teenagers were arrested in connection with the disturbance, including two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old. Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrests were made on suspicion of multiple offenses, including attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Two of the detained males, aged 16 and 17, have been released on bail pending further police inquiries, while the other 17-year-old was released unconditionally. The Police Service of Northern Ireland continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation that began at the shopping center and continued onto the adjacent street.

Authorities are particularly concerned about a male youth believed to have been assaulted during the incident who left the scene before officers arrived. Inspector Ritchie stated that police have concerns for the individual's wellbeing and are urging him to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with dash-cam or CCTV footage are asked to contact Ardmore police station quoting reference number 1120 of 18/10/25.