Belfast Sex Attack Slammed

An attack on a woman in Belfast last night is just the latest in a series of such rapes and serious assaults to have blighted the fast-developing city, (pictured).

This morning's incident, which happened at Marcus Ward Street, off the Dublin Road, was reported to police at about 4.30am and as a result, police have appealed for anyone who was in nearby bars and nightclubs and who may have noticed anything suspicious to contact them.

The incident has been condemned by Robin Newton, Leader of the DUP Group in Belfast City Council, who has described it as a very worrying incident that tarnishes the name of Belfast.

"This violent attack is extremely concerning as these types of incidents leave the victim not only physically injured but all reports confirm there is major mental impact on the victim.

"This incident, along with recent others, must be condemned and every assistance given to the police in order that the thugs who carried out the vicious attack are put behind bars," he said.

He commented that Belfast City Council is going 'all-out' to improve its image and that incidents of this nature make it all the more difficult to improve upon the budding night time entertainment scene and general commercial life.

He said: "If Belfast is to be a safer city with a brighter future then it can only be achieved in partnership with the PSNI, local business community and more importantly full co-operation from the public with the police."

This is far from being the first such incident. In late June, a rape took place when a 21-year-old woman was assaulted in a laneway off Arthur Street - again in the early hours - at about 2.30am,

Weeks before that, a man accused of sexually assaulting another 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 in June, in a separate incident, a Belfast man was found guilty of rape having scaled a wall, sneaked through the victim's house, and attacking her.

Belfast is not alone as late last year an American student was raped in Derry's Bogside area - provoked outrage among locals.

See: Further Belfast Rape Probed

See: Student Rape Victim Back In USA

(BMcC)