West Belfast Double Rape 'Latest Incident'

Two men have raped a woman in her 40s in west Belfast.

The attack - one of several shocking incidents across NI in recent days - happened in the Whiterock Road area at about 1am on Sunday.

The PSNI said that both men are described as being in their 30s, of heavy build and wearing jeans and have asked anyone with information about the attack to contact detectives at its rape crime unit at Ladas Drive in Belfast.

SDLP Upper Falls Cllr Tim Attwood has said people are startled and concerned at the rape: "This is a shocking incident which has stunned and caused worry to the local community.

"The fact that two women in Derry and Portadown were also sexually assaulted at the weekend highlights the need for women to be extra vigilant, especially at night time.

"I strongly urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI immediately so that these attackers can be brought before the courts," he said.

This is only the latest such incident with two young women raped in separate attacks recently.

In Londonderry, a teenage girl was raped at about 3.15am on Saturday in the Temple Grove area while in Portadown, Co Armagh another young woman was attacked in the Ballyoran area at about the same time.

The police later said that the man responsible for the Derry attack is believed to have been wearing a dark trench coat and lace-up boots.

Just last week, the Upper Bann Ulster Unionists MLA, Jo-Anne Dobson said she was "appalled" to have learnt that a young girl was sexually assault in Banbridge - this time on Tuesday evening.

"I was absolutely sickened and appalled to hear of the alleged sexual assault on a young girl. It is horrific that she has suffered this ordeal," she said.

"I am sure that this young girl's life will have been turned upside down by this attack and I know that this incident will have frightened a lot of young people in the area.

"I would appeal to the public to be vigilant and conscious of the dangers of walking alone, especially at a time when it is getting darker earlier.

"Local people are repulsed and shocked at this incident and we hope that this individual will be caught and brought to the justice as quickly as possible."

"I appeal to anyone who may have information, no matter how inconsequential it seems, which could lead to the apprehension of this criminal to contact the PSNI Rape Crime Unit on 028 38 366274 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111," she added.

(BMcC/GK)