POLICE are continuing to investigate a report of an attempted rape in Cowley Road, Oxford.

The 42-year-old woman told officers she fought off an attacker who tried to rape her as she was walking near the junction with Magdalen Road at about 5am yesterday.

Police carried out a search of the area and various items have been sent for forensic tests.

The attacker is described as black, aged in his 20s, between 5ft 10in and 6ft tall and thin build wearing a black bomber jacket.

Det Insp Simon Morton said police were increasing patrols by local officers in the area.