British student, 21, survives terrifying attempted rape after attacker drags her into bushes and beats her at Villa Borghese bus stop in Rome

An ordinary Monday evening in Rome took a frightening turn when a 21-year-old British student was attacked near a bus stop by the famous Villa Borghese gardens.

What should have been a routine journey home became a terrifying ordeal that has now sparked a police investigation and renewed concerns about safety in one of the city’s busiest tourist areas.

The young woman was reportedly dragged into bushes near the bus stop and beaten in what authorities are treating as an attempted sexual assault.

According to local reports, the attacker tried to rape her but fled when her screams echoed through the park.

Villa Borghese is one of Rome’s most visited green spaces, located close to major attractions like the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo.

It is popular with joggers, tourists, couples, and students.

That such a violent incident could unfold there has left many unsettled.

Taxi Driver Spots Something Is Wrong

The breakthrough moment came not from police patrols, but from a passing taxi driver.

Fabio Moccia was driving nearby when he noticed a young woman stumbling in the road.

He later described how she was “staggering down the street,” visibly distressed, her face swollen and bruised.

He turned his headlights toward her and scanned the area but saw no one else around.

Realising she needed urgent help, he stopped immediately.

Moccia got out of his vehicle and tried to calm her.

She was crying and in shock.

He noticed two bruises on the right side of her face and believed the attacker had hit her in an attempt to knock her unconscious before dragging her behind the bushes.

The student reportedly spoke only English and was unable to call for help because her phone battery had died.

Moccia called an ambulance and remained with her until paramedics arrived.

His quick response may have prevented further harm and ensured she received immediate medical care.

Police Launch DNA and CCTV Investigation

Officers from the Carabinieri investigative unit quickly moved in to secure the area.

The woman’s clothing was seized for forensic analysis, and the bushes where the assault occurred were combed for evidence.

DNA testing will likely play a key role in identifying the suspect.

Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding streets and park entrances.

However, questions have already been raised about the level of surveillance in the area.

Moccia himself pointed out that Villa Borghese sees heavy foot traffic, including tourists and women walking alone, and argued that more cameras would improve safety.

Investigators are now working to reconstruct the attacker’s movements before and after the incident.

They are reportedly appealing to other taxi drivers and motorists who may have had dashboard cameras operating at the time.

Safety Concerns in a Tourist Hotspot

Rome attracts millions of visitors every year, and Villa Borghese is considered one of its safest and most picturesque parks.

Yet like many large urban parks across Europe, certain areas can become poorly lit and less populated at night.

Italian authorities have in recent years increased patrols in tourist zones following several high-profile assaults and robberies.

Still, incidents like this reignite debate over whether enough is being done to protect visitors, particularly young women studying abroad.

For British students in Italy, the attack has also sent shockwaves through university communities.

Many foreign students rely on public transport and often travel alone, especially in the evenings.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Hunt

The bravery and compassion shown by Fabio Moccia have been widely praised.

Without his intervention, the victim may have remained alone and injured for longer.

Meanwhile, police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Forensic results and CCTV footage are expected to guide the next phase of the investigation.

Authorities are determined to identify and arrest the suspect swiftly.

The victim is believed to be receiving medical and psychological support following the attack.

What’s Next?

Investigators will now focus on analysing DNA evidence and reviewing all available surveillance footage.

If a match is found in national databases, an arrest could follow quickly.

Police may also increase patrols around Villa Borghese, particularly during evening hours.

Calls for expanded CCTV coverage in Rome’s parks are likely to grow louder in the coming weeks.

Universities hosting international students may also issue renewed safety guidance, encouraging students to keep phones charged, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and travel in groups where possible.

Above all, authorities will be under pressure to reassure both locals and tourists that Rome remains safe.

Summary

A 21-year-old British student was dragged into bushes and beaten in an attempted sexual assault near a bus stop in Villa Borghese, Rome.

Her attacker fled after her screams rang out.

She was later found staggering in the street by taxi driver Fabio Moccia, who stopped to help and called emergency services.

Police have launched a full investigation, seizing clothing for DNA testing and reviewing CCTV footage.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety and surveillance in one of Rome’s busiest tourist areas.

Investigators are continuing their search for the suspect while the victim recovers with support.