A 23-year-old woman was the victim of a serious sexual assault in Co Londonderry yesterday.

The attack took place at 3.50am on Sunday morning as the woman was walking along Park Avenue. She was approached by three men who grabbed her and dragged her into an entry between Grafton Street and Lower Nassau Street. Two of the men then left the scene and the third carried out the serious sexual assault.

Police have appealed for information on the incident. The attacker is described as being in his mid 20s, around 5ft 11ins tall and of stocky build. He had a shaved head and dark stubble. He was wearing blue jeans and a light coloured T-shirt.

The attackers spoke with strong southern Irish accents and the man who carried out the attack was constantly referred to as 'Baldy'.

Police have already spoken to two witnesses but would like to speak to anyone else who may have been in the area at the time of the attack.

The Mayor of Derry, Kathleen McCloskey, said she was "absolutely appalled" by the incident.

She added: "On behalf of the entire community in Derry, I wish to express my utter sympathy and support to this young lady and her family. I would urge anyone with information that might help bring the perpetrators of this attack to justice to immediately contact the police.

"In addition, I would appeal to all young people to take great care when they are out at night, to look out for each other and to make sure that no one is left alone or put in danger."

Detectives can be contacted at Strand Road police station on 028 7136 7337 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(GMcG)