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. 

READ MORE: Oxford University graduate under pressure to resign from top job

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.”

READ MORE: ‘Racial abuse and assault’ reported at city Tesco store

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. 

Thames Valley Police announced the investigation today (Tuesday, May 12) and has appealed for anyone with any information to come forward.

Helen Keen, a police community support office for Cherwell and West, said: “We have received reports of criminal damage to a bus shelter on Common Road, North Leigh.

READ MORE: Arrests for ‘immigration offences’ and ‘prolific offending’ in Oxfordshire

Examples of the graffiti at North Leigh bus stop (Image: TVP)

“The shelter has been vandalised with graffiti.

“If you recognise the tag, have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or have any information that may help identify those responsible, please get in touch.”

You can report information by calling 101, reporting online via the Thames Valley Police website, or providing information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Nicholas William Harry Carson-Parker, 59, of Fane Drive in Berinsfield, was recorded travelling at 51mph in a 40mph zone on the A41 in Bicester on May 10, 2025.

He was handed a six-month driving disqualification and ordered to pay a total of £299.

This includes a £128 fine, reduced from £192 due to a guilty plea, £120 in court costs, and a £51 victim surcharge.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire council boss quits role as Lib Dem majority lost

Carson-Parker was sentenced at Slough Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, May 7. 

The offence was recorded using manned speed enforcement equipment.

According to the court, the speed limit was set under the Oxfordshire County Council (Bicester Area) (Speed Limits) Order 2025.

The court also ordered him to pay the total amount in full by Thursday, June 4.