Probe launched into sex assault

Probe launched into sex assault

20 January 2016

POLICE are hunting two men after a 13 year-old girl was indecently assaulted in Downpatrick.

The teenager — who was in her school uniform — fought off two sex attackers at Thomas Russell Park just after 5pm 

last Tuesday.

It’s understood the two men were dressed in black and the incident took place in a poorly lit area at the housing area which backs on to Dunleath Park. The teenager managed to escape from the two men and ran to the Market Street bus station where she raised the alarm.

The student was on her way home when she was approached by the two men at an alleyway close to the town’s Scout Hall. 

Police investigating the incident have issued an appeal for information and particularly want to hear from a woman who was walking her dog in the area shortly before the attack.

“We are asking for help in identifying two males thought to be involved in an indecent assault of a 13-year-old girl in the area of the alleyway, close to the Scout Hall on Thomas Russell Park, Downpatrick,” confirmed a PSNI spokesman.

“It is thought to have happened around 5.10pm on Tuesday of last week in an area of poor light.

“The attackers are described as being dressed all in black.”

Last week’s incident has also been condemned by a number of politicians who have urged anyone who can assist police to come forward with information, no matter how insignificant they think it may be.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie described the attack as a “dreadful incident,” and said her thoughts with the young girl at the centre of the “distasteful incident.”

Downpatrick councillor, Colin McGrath, said local people are “horrified” at what happened to the young girl, describing the incident as “monstrous.”

He added: “Parents in the area are horrified by this incident and will hold their children a little closer. It is very disappointing that after such an attack families may feel they have to think twice about letting their children play outside. We must have streets where the safety of children from this type of crime is assured.”

Anyone who can help police with their enquiries is asked to use the non-emergency 101 number or use the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111, quoting police crime reference number 852 12/01/16.