CCTV Could Hold Vital Clues Over Rape Incident

It is thought CCTV footage could hold vital information regarding the rape of a 19-year-old woman in Newcastle, Co Down at the weekend.

The teenager was attacked in the Beach Avenue area, near the town's promenade in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police have said they want to identify a young man who was seen in the area at the time. He is thought to be in his late teens and is described as being 5ft 10ins tall and of medium build. He has mid-length hair and was wearing dark blue jeans and a light t-shirt.

The Belfast Telegraph has quoted Sinn Fein Councillor Willie Clarke as saying he hopes CCTV will have captured an image of the man police are looking for.

He said: "CCTV might have some chance of capturing the alleged attacker. There is one camera on the nearby Downs Road and a couple on Main Street. I know police have also been asking round the bars for footage.

"CCTV has been in the town for the past five years and the cameras are monitored full-time. Significantly it seems they must have a good description of the boy."

Mr Clarke added that the area was usually very busy at that time of the morning and expressed his surprise at the attack.

"There is a very busy night-time economy and there would be a lot 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 Downs Road, by the promenade.

"As chair of the Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership I would ask for anyone with 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."

On Sunday, police said inquiries were ongoing.

Anyone who was in the area and has information about the incident, or the male, is asked to call the Rape Crime Unit on 02890 700 305.

(JP/CD)