Police release detailed descriptions of suspects in Oxford schoolgirl's rape

Detailed descriptions of two men, who allegedly raped a 14-year-old schoolgirl have been released. Police in Oxford said they are hunting for two white men.

One is a man in his mid-20s. The second suspect is described as either early 20s or in his teens.

The attackers, who were driving a silver car, grabbed the 14-year-old girl as she was walking to school near Marston Ferry Road and Banbury Road in Summertown, at around 8.25am on Wednesday (28 September) morning.

They held her "in a bear hug" as they forced her into the vehicle. The girl was found nearly four hours later, knocking on doors for help, more than a mile away from where she was abducted.

On Friday it was revealed police were informed by the school and her mother that she was missing after she did not arrive at school at 8.45am.

Det Supt Chris Ward, Head of Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: "The victim has now been able to provide more detailed descriptions of the two offenders which we are releasing today.

"The first offender is a man with shaven dark blonde hair and balding, but no facial hair. He is in his mid-twenties, of medium build, with blue eyes and about 6ft. He was wearing a hooded top with one pocket on the front and no drawstrings or logo, and black trousers. He spoke with a northern accent.

"The second offender is a man with brown hair that was gelled. He is in his late teens or early twenties, clean shaven, with brown eyes. He was slightly smaller in build than the first offender. Please rest assured that we are carrying out a thorough investigation but we also need the help of the public to bring these offenders to justice."

Police say they have stepped up patrols in the area and have urged any children walking to school to travel in groups.

Det Supt Ward added that officers received a "substantial" number of calls in the first 24 hours of their investigation, Sky News reports. He appealed for anyone who may know someone who fits the descriptions to come forward.

"I would like to reiterate my thanks to all those people who have already called us to pass on information. Please rest assured that we are carrying out a thorough investigation but we also need the help of the public to bring these offenders to justice."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 101 quoting URN 1631 28/09/16.