Investigation Launched After Woman Sexually Assaulted In L'Derry

An investigation has launched after a woman has been hospitalised following a sexual assault in L'Derry in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The incident occurred in the Lecky Road area at around 1.15am.

The woman, aged in her 50s, was approached by a man who pulled her into an alleyway and sexually assaulted her.

A man, aged in his 30s, has been arrested on suspicion of related offences, and has been detailed in police custody.

The suspect has been described as a white man, of broad build with dark hair and was wearing a dark short puffer style jacket and light-coloured trainers.

Detective Chief Inspector Crothers said: "This assault occurred during the early hours of this morning, Sunday 27th October, at approximately 1.15am in the Lecky Road area of the city. "The woman, aged in her 50s, was approached by an unknown man who pulled her into a nearby alleyway where he sexually assaulted her, and also repeatedly hit her to the face and banged her head off a wall.

"She sustained serious facial and other injuries as a result of this terrifying ordeal that she was only able to escape from after her attacker let her go.

"The woman was able to then raise the alarm for help and the suspect fled the scene on foot.

"She required hospital treatment for her injuries and has understandably been left extremely distressed and shaken by what happened. Specialist officers will continue to support her.

"Our enquiries are continuing today and as such you will notice an increased police presence in the area.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have been in the Lecky Road area this morning between 1.15am and 1.35am and witnessed what happened or noticed anything suspicious to make contact with police on 101, quoting reference number 323 27/10/24."