Brookes SU urges students to be ‘vigilant’ after a sexual assault on Divinity Road

Oxford Brookes SU is urging students to be vigilant after reports of a sexual assault of a 21-year-old on Divinity Road.

The incident happened at roughly 4am during the early hours of Saturday morning. The victim was a 21-year-old woman. Reports say the offender gained access to the property through "an insecure window".

An email was sent to all students, warning them to be "vigilant", and encouraging them to contact Thames Valley police if they have any information regarding the incident. The SU has also said guidance is available from the Brookes Union Advice Service.

The email read: "You may be aware of media reports of a sexual assault which took place at a property on Divinity Road in East Oxford over the weekend.

"The University would encourage students to contact the police via the contact details provided if you have any information related to this case.

"The police advice for those living in the area is to remain vigilant and ensure that property is secure. General advice from Thames Valley Police on personal safety is available online.

"Guidance is also available from the Brookes Union Advice Service including housing security and staying safe, while free personal attack alarms are available from the Brookes Union reception."

As well as this statement from the university, the SU have emphasised the use of the Brookes Union Safety Bus which is available from 9pm – 2am. They advise walking on well lit footpaths in groups. The use of the Safety Bus is recommended if you're walking home late in the evening, on your own.

Thames Valley Police told Brookes SU: "At around 4am on Saturday morning, which was the 9th of February, a 21-year-old woman was a victim of a sexual assault at a property in Divinity Road in Oxford.

"An unknown offender gained access to the property through an insecure window. This is clearly a very distressing incident for the victim, and she is being provided with specialist support.

"We believe that someone may have seen this offender before or after this incident around this area, and we would encourage anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.

"We would also really like dash cam footage or CCTV images from around that area of Rectory Road, Cowley Road and Divinity Road between 12:30am and 4:30pm on Saturday morning.

"It is likely that the offender has some link to the local area, so he's likely to be known by local residents. The offender is described as mixed race, of Asian descent, in his 20's or 30's, he's short about 5 foot 8 in height, of a slim build and has very short dark hair.

"In the area you will see an increase in high visibility patrols, this is including our local neighbourhood team. Officers are there to reassure residents in the area and also they will be able to take any questions you may have."