British Student Attacked in Attempted Rape in Rome's Villa Borghese

British Student Attacked in Rome's Villa Borghese

A 21-year-old British student was subjected to an attempted rape and assault in Villa Borghese, a prominent park in central Rome, on the evening of Monday, February 23, 2026. The student, identified as Anne, was reportedly walking home when she was attacked.

The incident occurred around 8:30 PM near Viale Washington, an area described as poorly lit after dark. Anne, who is studying Literature and Philosophy at La Sapienza University and originally from London, had been in Rome for five months.

Details of the Assault and Heroic Intervention

According to Anne's account, a man grabbed her from behind, dragged her behind a hedge into a dark spot, and began punching her repeatedly. He covered her mouth and pressed her head to the ground while attempting to remove her clothing.

The assault was interrupted by the timely intervention of a taxi driver, Fabio Moccia. Moccia, whose headlights illuminated the scene as he drove by, heard Anne's screams and steered his vehicle towards the sound. The attacker immediately fled the scene. Moccia remained with the distressed student, calling for emergency services and turning away other fares to ensure her safety.

Investigation Underway and Victim's Condition

Carabinieri officers from the Roma Flaminia station arrived at approximately 9:30 PM. Anne was transported in 'red code' to Policlinico Umberto I, where the Rosa Protocol, a specialized medical procedure for victims of sexual violence, was activated. She sustained facial injuries, including a swollen cheekbone and bruises, as well as scratches on her left side.

Investigators have seized Anne's clothing for forensic examination and are reviewing surveillance footage from cameras within and around Villa Borghese. Anne described her attacker as a man between 30 and 40 years old, of medium height and build, with Asian features and dark skin. She noted he appeared sober and murmured 'no, no' while covering her mouth, and did not attempt to steal her belongings. An identikit has been created, but no arrests have been made as of the latest reports.

Safety Concerns in Villa Borghese

The incident has reignited discussions regarding safety within Villa Borghese, a popular destination for both residents and tourists. While generally considered safe during daylight hours, parts of the park, particularly less illuminated areas like where the attack occurred, have been associated with sporadic assaults and petty crime over the years. Anne has expressed profound psychological distress following the ordeal, stating she now feels safe only within her apartment. Her parents are reportedly cutting short a trip abroad to be with her.