Renewed Appeal Over 1994 Child Sexual Assault

The PSNI has released two new images of a man who is suspected of carrying out a serious sexual assault on an eight-year-old schoolgirl in the Barcroft area of Newry, County Down, twenty years ago.

The assault was carried out on Friday 10 June 1994, making today the twentieth anniversary. Detectives have renewed their appeal for information following the release of the images.

The little girl had been playing with a seven-year-old boy in an area of trees at Barcroft Community Centre when she was approached by a stranger, aged in his late teens or early twenties, who asked them to help find his brother.

The two children then went with the male and were separated in woodland behind the community centre. "The girl was subjected to a prolonged and violent sexual attack," police said.

Detectives are appealing to members of the public who may have information and have not already contacted police to phone the enquiry team. They would like to hear from any member of the public who initially came forward in 1994 but has not made contact with the team since.

Detectives are also keen to identify the couple who met the little boy who had been with the victim, as well as two young males who had been playing at the Community Centre on the day of the incident.

They are appealing to these people and anyone with information to contact detectives at PSNI Serious Crime Branch on 028 3836 6274.

The independent Crimestoppers charity can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The images can be viewed via the PSNI website.

(IT/MH)