Female runner ‘assaulted’ by man close to Oxfordshire Lidl

Thames Valley Police has said the incident happened along Mably Way near to the Grove Lidl on Thursday, May 7, and have asked for any witnesses to come forward.

Specifically it occurred at 4.30pm while the woman was running along the road, on the opposite side of the doctor’s surgery, heading towards the roundabout near the supermarket. 

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A police spokesperson said: “As she reached the roundabout and began to run towards Wantage town centre, an unknown male riding a bicycle approached her on the road. 

“As he passed, the man mounted the kerb where the woman was running and attempted to grab the hem of her shorts.

“He then cycled away along Mably Way in the direction of the police station.”

CGI of the new Lidl store in Wantage and Grove (Image: Lidl)

Investigating officer PC Fraser Ellingworth said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim, who was simply out running at the time.

“We are carrying out enquiries and are keen to identify the individual involved as quickly as possible. 

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen what happened, or who recognises the description of the man or the bicycle, to please come forward.”

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The woman was not injured during the incident and the offender has been described as a white man, possibly in his late twenties to early thirties, with short dark or buzz-cut hair.

He was wearing dark clothing and the bicycle was described as a black or dark-coloured bike with large tyres. 

Anyone with information can contact the force on 101 or by making a report via its website quoting investigation reference number 43260225323.