ONE WEEK ON: Advice sent to Oxford parents by Thames Valley Police after schoolgirl abducted and raped

PARENTS and carers of schoolchildren in Oxford have been sent a letter including child safety advice following the abduction and rape of a teenager last week.

Police are currently sifting through a deluge of potential clues from the public as a large-scale operation takes to the streets, one week on from when the 14-year-old was snatched from the road in Summertown.

It reads: 

"Dear Parents and Carers,

"I know you will be aware of the recent incident in North Oxford involving a 14 year old girl. Whilst these types of incidents are very rare, we understand that it has created a heightened level of anxiety amongst parents, carers and young people.

"We want to reassure you that there is a large team of specialist detective resources investigating the incident. The investigation team have received a really positive response from the public and are following up information, witnesses and video footage provided following their appeal.

"Thames Valley Police in conjunction with Oxfordshire County Council are giving the following advice to school pupils

"Where possible travel to school in groups and stick to the busier roads, avoiding alleyways and under passes.

"Be alert and aware of your surroundings and avoid the use of head phones as this can be a distraction."

People are also being reminded that anything suspicious should be reported to police via the 101 number quoting URN 1631 28/09/2016, or calling 999 in an emergency. 

Officers were stopping cars in Summertown yesterday and speaking to drivers heading to and from the point where the schoolgirl was abducted. 

The patrols are also speaking to school pupils who walk the route, in a bid to jog their memories over the abduction, which happened last Wednesday morning.

Passers-by in Ferry Pool Road, who were questioned by officers and given leaflets about the incident, said they were reassured by police presence.

Hector Hemingway-McGhee, a 16-year-old pupil from Cherwell School, said: "It's good to see the police out here.

"They have been walking up and down Banbury Road and that's reassuring.

"Teachers have also been out patrolling the area with the police.

"This has shaken everyone and lots of parents are now driving their kids to school instead of letting them walk."

Adele Powell, 33, from Marston, who works for the Earthwatch charity, said: "What happened makes you feel angry as a young woman - it makes you feel vulnerable.

"The police presence is reassuring."

Dr Lydia Stone, a psychologist from Headington, said: "I was in the area a week ago but I didn't see anything - it's very shocking."

Officers moved their operation to the area where the girl ran for help, interviewing dog walkers who use the Marstson Meadow area and combing hedges, bushes and fields more more clues. 

They also handed out information leaflets to drivers and residents in the Arlington Drive and Cavendish Drive areas.

Becky Puddle, 44, from Cotswold Crescent, Marston, said: "It's good to see the police officers around - I now feel safer going out on my bike instead of walking - I hope they catch them soon."

Yesterday Thames Valley Police thanked the people who have contributed to a"great deal" of information including CCTV and dashcam footage, which could help them piece together the events of last Wednesday morning when a 14-year-old girl was snatched off the street in Summertown.

It comes as tributes in the form of ribbons and hearts have been wrapped around a lampost on the junction of Marston Ferry Road and Banbury Road, close to where the abduction is thought to have taken place.

The force's head of major crime, Det Supt Chris Ward, said: “Dedicated detectives are working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.  

“We are securing evidence, interviewing witnesses and reviewing the substantial quantity of CCTV, dashcam footage and information received from the public.

“A team of specially-trained officers continues to support the victim and we are working with her to gather further information surrounding the incident.

"We would like to reassure the public that we are taking every step necessary to ensure we have all the relevant information to bring the offenders to justice."

He said officers would be carrying out "high visibility" patrols today, exactly one week after the abduction, and have been focusing on the Marston Meadow area. 

Supt Joe Kidman, newly appointed LPA Commander for Oxford, added: “I know the shock that this rare incident has caused in our city and want to add my thanks for all the support provided by the public in coming forward with information.

“High visibility patrols will continue in the area to offer ongoing support and reassurance."

Tributes have been wrapped around a lampost on the junction of Marston Ferry Road and Banbury Road, close to where the abduction is thought to have taken place.

Ribbons and hearts have been tied to the post of the traffic lights near where the girl was abducted.

Descriptions were released at the weekend of the two men wanted in connection with the abduction. 

One man is thought to have shaven dark blonde balding hair, no facial hair, in his mid twenties, of medium build, with blue eyes and about 6ft, speaking with a northern accent.

He was wearing a hooded top with one pocket on the front and no drawstrings or logo, and black trousers.

The second man has brown hair that was gelled and was thought to be in his late teens or early twenties.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 with the reference 1631 (28/9).

For our previous coverage on this story click here