20/06/2008
Further Belfast Rape Probed
It has just been revealed that another rape has taken place in central Belfast.
The latest in a series of such sexual attacks took place in the early hours of Friday morning when a 21-year-old woman was assaulted.
She was subject to the attack by a man in a laneway off Arthur Street at about 2.30am - a police spokeswoman said the attacker had long blonde hair and also appealed for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
In particular, they want to speak to two men who helped the victim after the incident.
Just weeks ago, a man accused of sexually assaulting an earlier victim appeared in court charged with raping a woman in Belfast in the York Street/Donegal Street area during the early hours of Wednesday April 30.
Also, earlier this week, a Belfast man, Anthony West, of Meadowbank Street, who had claimed he had consensual sex with the victim - who was a teenager at the time of the attack last November - has been found guilty of rape.
West had earlier called to her house where she made him a cup of tea in the kitchen but after he went away, he left the back door unlocked, returned later, and after scaling a wall, he sneaked through her house before attacking her.
Another incident this year later saw a youth of just 15 arrested by police investigating the brutal rape of a young tourist.
In April, some 300 people gathered at the scene to show solidarity with the young victim.
A rally was held at the Colin Glen Forest Park in West Belfast where an American tourist was sexually attacked in broad daylight.
Also in April, an 18-year-old girl was raped in a park in south Belfast.
The teenager was attacked in Botanic Park close to Queen's University shortly after midnight.
She was assaulted near the Ulster Museum which is currently closed for extensive renovations.
The young woman had been with a group of friends in the park and as she passed the museum a man dragged her into the bushes and raped her. The attacker also stole the teenager's mobile phone.
There have been several rapes and sex attacks on women in the university area of south Belfast in recent years with MLAs voicing fears that the area is becoming a "hotspot" for attacks on women.
SDLP MLA for the area Carmel Hanna said at the time that she was shocked at the attack: "I am appalled by the rape of the young girl in the Botanic Gardens."
See: Rape Accused For Court
See: Belfast Man Guilty Of Early Morning Rape
(BMcC)
The latest in a series of such sexual attacks took place in the early hours of Friday morning when a 21-year-old woman was assaulted.
She was subject to the attack by a man in a laneway off Arthur Street at about 2.30am - a police spokeswoman said the attacker had long blonde hair and also appealed for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
In particular, they want to speak to two men who helped the victim after the incident.
Just weeks ago, a man accused of sexually assaulting an earlier victim appeared in court charged with raping a woman in Belfast in the York Street/Donegal Street area during the early hours of Wednesday April 30.
Also, earlier this week, a Belfast man, Anthony West, of Meadowbank Street, who had claimed he had consensual sex with the victim - who was a teenager at the time of the attack last November - has been found guilty of rape.
West had earlier called to her house where she made him a cup of tea in the kitchen but after he went away, he left the back door unlocked, returned later, and after scaling a wall, he sneaked through her house before attacking her.
Another incident this year later saw a youth of just 15 arrested by police investigating the brutal rape of a young tourist.
In April, some 300 people gathered at the scene to show solidarity with the young victim.
A rally was held at the Colin Glen Forest Park in West Belfast where an American tourist was sexually attacked in broad daylight.
Also in April, an 18-year-old girl was raped in a park in south Belfast.
The teenager was attacked in Botanic Park close to Queen's University shortly after midnight.
She was assaulted near the Ulster Museum which is currently closed for extensive renovations.
The young woman had been with a group of friends in the park and as she passed the museum a man dragged her into the bushes and raped her. The attacker also stole the teenager's mobile phone.
There have been several rapes and sex attacks on women in the university area of south Belfast in recent years with MLAs voicing fears that the area is becoming a "hotspot" for attacks on women.
SDLP MLA for the area Carmel Hanna said at the time that she was shocked at the attack: "I am appalled by the rape of the young girl in the Botanic Gardens."
See: Rape Accused For Court
See: Belfast Man Guilty Of Early Morning Rape
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 October 2002
Health Minister accused of 'twisting truth' over rape centre
A dispute over the funding of the Belfast Rape Crisis Centre (BRCC) deepened further today after the head of the centre accused Health Minister Bairbre de Brun of "twisting the truth and hiding behind civil servants".
Health Minister accused of 'twisting truth' over rape centre
A dispute over the funding of the Belfast Rape Crisis Centre (BRCC) deepened further today after the head of the centre accused Health Minister Bairbre de Brun of "twisting the truth and hiding behind civil servants".
29 September 2008
Rape Victim's 'Model' Recovery
A rape victim - whose attacker is currently serving 11 years in prison - is to take to the catwalk in support of those who supported her. Christine Bennett was raped by Anthony West after he scaled a wall at the back of her east Belfast home last November.
Rape Victim's 'Model' Recovery
A rape victim - whose attacker is currently serving 11 years in prison - is to take to the catwalk in support of those who supported her. Christine Bennett was raped by Anthony West after he scaled a wall at the back of her east Belfast home last November.
26 November 2013
Woman Jailed Over False Rape Claim
A Co Antrim woman, who made a false rape claim against her ex-boyfriend after he ended their relationship, has been sentenced to three months in jail. Natasha Foster, 23 and from Ballymena, told police two years ago that her partner had sexually attacked her.
Woman Jailed Over False Rape Claim
A Co Antrim woman, who made a false rape claim against her ex-boyfriend after he ended their relationship, has been sentenced to three months in jail. Natasha Foster, 23 and from Ballymena, told police two years ago that her partner had sexually attacked her.
19 May 2017
Investigation Launched After Reported Rape In North Belfast
Police have launched an investigation after a woman was allegedly raped in north Belfast. The incident happened on the Cavehill Road in the Waterworks area at around 8.30pm on Wednesday, 17 May. Enquiries are ongoing. No further details have been released.
Investigation Launched After Reported Rape In North Belfast
Police have launched an investigation after a woman was allegedly raped in north Belfast. The incident happened on the Cavehill Road in the Waterworks area at around 8.30pm on Wednesday, 17 May. Enquiries are ongoing. No further details have been released.
13 January 2017
Man And Woman Shot In West Belfast
A man and woman, aged in their 50s, have been shot in the legs in west Belfast. The attack happened at a house in Norglen Parade shortly after 6.15pm on Thursday, 12 January. The victims, understood to be husband and wife, were taken to hospital to be treated, however their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Man And Woman Shot In West Belfast
A man and woman, aged in their 50s, have been shot in the legs in west Belfast. The attack happened at a house in Norglen Parade shortly after 6.15pm on Thursday, 12 January. The victims, understood to be husband and wife, were taken to hospital to be treated, however their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.