Horror: Woman raped by stranger after Royal Ascot

Police have launched an urgent manhunt after a woman in her twenties was allegedly raped following Royal Ascot.

The victim was walking on a footpath near Ascot railway station between 11pm and 11.30pm on 21 June when he was approached by a man.

The perpetrator, presumably in his mid-20s, is said to have then raped her.

He is described as a white man of average height and slim build, police said.

The man was apparently wearing “a black or dark hooded top with the hood pulled up” and was riding a dark bicycle “that may have had yellow details.”

This came just hours after thousands attended Royal Ascot at the nearby racecourse on Friday, before hordes of racegoers again flocked to the historic venue on Saturday.

No arrests have been made so far.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Liam Butler said: “We are investigating this worrying incident and have carried out extensive enquiries.”

“To calm the situation, patrols in the area have been increased.

“We are asking the public for help and would like to ask anyone who has information to come forward.

“If you recognise the person described, who may be known in the Station Hill area, or if anyone was travelling in the area between 11pm and 11.30pm and has dashcam footage, please come forward.”

A statement from Thames Valley Police continued: “Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to a rape in the town of Ascot.”

“Between 11pm and 11.30pm on Friday (21 June), a woman was walking on a footpath near Station Hill when she was approached by a man and subsequently raped.

“The victim, a woman in her twenties, is being cared for by specially trained officers.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 101 quoting reference 43240293544.

“Or if you do not wish to speak to the police, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”