Police investigatingalleged sex assault

Police say they are investigating the incident which took place near Moore’s Bridge.

A report was made by a 20 year old woman, who claimed that at approximately 6.30pm she was sexually assaulted by three males.

Councillor Stephen Martin said, “I very much hope the individual involved is receiving all the help and support she needs.

“There has been numerous reports of antisocial behaviour in the area over the summer months and I know the PSNI have actively sought to combat issues that have arisen.

“This event, however, goes above and beyond what has been seen before.

“We really do need to look seriously at how we can best restore confidence for those of us who use the towpath on a regular basis.”

Councillor Pat Catney said the public need to know the facts.

“We should not be alarmist,” he said. “If something did happen then the community should know about it. We must remember this is an alleged rape. If it happened then, yes, we have to be concerned.”

Lagan Valley MLA Jonathan Craig urged anyone who may have been on the towpath at that time or who had seen anything in the area to contact the police.

“If a serious crime has been committed then whoever has committed it should be put through the courts,” he said.

Witness

Detectives are appealling for witnesses and would like to hear from a woman who was walking a golden labrador and was accompanied by a young boy of approximately 15 years old who was on a bicycle.

They also want to speak to an elderly gentleman with grey hair and wearing tinted glasses and two male joggers who were both wearing neon jackets.

They said that these people were in the area at the time of the assault and police would ask that they contact them as they may have information which could assist them with their enquiries.

Police are working to establish the details of this incident and are asking anyone who may have been in the Lagan Towpath area, at the time of the incident to contact Detectives at the Rape Crime Unit in Ladas Drive on 028 9070 0305.

Alternatively you can contact Police on 0845 600 8000.

If anyone can provide information but doies not wish to give their personal details they can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.