Man sought after sex attack on woman

Man sought after sex attack on woman

13 May 2015

POLICE have released an image of a man they want to question in relation to a serious sexual assault in Downpatrick at the weekend.

Detectives want to question the man after a young woman was seriously assaulted in a building in Scotch Street late on Saturday night.

Police sealed off the area after the allegation and there was a police presence for several hours on Sunday as a forensic examination was carried out.

Detective Inspector Adrian Brown, who is leading the investigation, said detectives investigating the allegation are “following a definite line of enquiry after talking to a number of people.”

“We wish to identify and locate the man in this photograph as he may have vital information that could assist us with enquiries into an alleged assault in Downpatrick on May 10.

“Anyone who recognises him or knows where he is asked to contact the incident room number 028 3836 6274 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111,” he added.

The allegation has shocked South Down MP Margaret Ritchie who has an office just a few hundred yards away.

Describing the incident as “unacceptable and unsavoury”, she said she was shaken by the thought that a serious sexual assault had happened in the town.

“I am deeply disappointed and angry to hear this,” she said.

“I have great sympathy and empathy for the victim and I hope all forms of support and counselling are put into place for her.

“I hope anybody with information goes to the police to ensure whoever committed this dastardly act is amenable to the full process of the law.

“The victim will have my full support and of course the full support of the wider community.

“Many of us walk in this area at night and it is frightening to think this is in our midst.”