Police search CCTV after rape in resort

Police search CCTV after rape in resort

24 July 2013

SECURITY camera footage may provide vital clues for police investigating the rape of a 19 year-old woman in Newcastle last weekend.

The serious sexual assault occurred at the Downs Road/Beach Avenue area in the resort during the early hours of last Saturday morning.

The teenager is believed to have been attacked by a male in his late teens who was seen in the area at the time. He is described as about five foot 10 inches tall and of medium build, with medium-length hair. It is believed he was wearing blue jeans and a light-coloured tee-shirt.

Councillor Willie Clarke said he hopes CCTV cameras have captured an image of the man police are hunting in connection with the sexual attack. He said there is one camera at Downs Road area and several others along Main Street.

He also revealed that police investigating the weekend incident have been asking bar owners in the town for footage recorded on their own security systems so they can examine it in a bid to identify the man responsible for the sexual assault.

Councillor Clarke continued: “CCTV has been in Newcastle for the past five years and the cameras are monitored full time. Significantly, it seems police must have a good deion of the teenager they are looking for.”

The Newcastle politician said the area where the incident occurred is normally very busy at this time of the morning and expressed surprise at the sexual assault.

He continued: “There is a very busy night time economy and there would be a lot of people milling about at that time of night in Newcastle. In fact, we have been working to address some of the anti-social impact of that night-time economy on residents living at the Downs Road area beside the promenade.

“As chairman of the district’s Policing and Community Safety partnership, I would ask for anyone with any information at all about this incident to come forward to police. My thoughts are with the family and friends of this young girl and I wish her a speedy recovery.”

South Down MLA Sean Rogers described what happened as an “horrendous attack” and said people are “shocked and horrified” that such a crime could take place in the seaside town.

He added: “Such an attack is totally out of keeping with the greater Newcastle area.”

Councillor Patrick Clarke described the sexual assault as “sickening” and one that has shocked the local community. He described the person who raped the woman as a “despicable individual.”

Police investigating the weekend assault are keen to hear from anyone who was in the Downs Road/Beach Avenue area during the early hours of last Saturday morning. Anyone who believes they can assist detectives are asked to call the Rape Crime Unit on (028) 9070 0305.