Mayor of Lisburn condemns gang rape of man

The 26-year-old was walking in the Aspen Walk area of Twinbrook when he was approached by a stranger and forced into an alleyway.

A group of men then held him down as the man sexually assaulted him.

SDLP Mayor of Lisburn and Twinbrook Cllr Brian Heading has said his community is shocked and appalled at the rape..

Cllr Heading said: “This depraved attack has stunned people in the Twinbrook area. It must have been such a horrific ordeal for the victim and our thoughts are with him at this difficult time.

“Regrettably, this incident brings home the fact that male rape is an evil which exists within our communities.

“Victims can carry the physical and mental scars of rape with them their whole lives and it is essential that better support services are put in place to help them.

“It is vital that anyone with information about this heinous crime contacts the police immeditely.”

Police are appealing for anyone in the area between 23:00 GMT on Thursday and 02:00 GMT on Friday to contact them.