Police on the hunt for alleyway rapist

The young woman, who was in her 20s, was attacked and raped in an alleyway off Catherine Street in Limavady at approximately 2.00am on Saturday night / Sunday morning.

Detectives have issued an appeal for information and a detailed description of the attacker.

The Mayor Cathal McLaughlin said that he was appalled and disgusted to learn that the woman has been attacked and raped in Limavady.

Sinn Féin Councillor McLaughlin said: “My heart goes out to this poor girl and her family. I am appalled and disgusted to hear this news. My prayers and thoughts are with her. I appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time to go immediately to the PSNI in Limavady and report anything you saw no matter how trivial you think it is.

“This monster must be apprehended and put before a court immediately to calm the fears of other women in the town. This sickening attack and rape happened in an alleyway off Catherine Street shortly after 2.00am on Sunday.”

Detectives from the PSNI’s Rape Crime Unit have issued a detailed description of the woman’s attacker. He was described as in his 20s, about 5ft 9in tall, with short, brown spike hair. He was wearing a blue shirt with rolled up sleeves, narrow legged cream chinos and had a rubber charity band on his right arm.

East Londonderry SDLP MLA John Dallat has said that the penalty for rape should be increased, and encouraged anyone with information to contact the police. He said: “This is a hideous crime which ranks amongst the most serious. The penalties for rape should be increased because this is a horrendous crime from which the victim may never recover physically or psychologically.

“Anyone with any information has a legal and moral obligation to contact the police immediately. There is simply no excuse in any circumstance to the crime of rape. No society should have to tolerate rapists. Sadly, while these people exist, my advice is that females should never be on their own and never to walk home alone, instead plan ahead and ensure they have a reputable form of transport home.”

Mayor Cathal McLaughlin also appealed for anyone with information to contact the police: “At that time of the night the Catherine Street area would be packed with people on their way home from night clubs in the area. Someone must have seen something. From the bottom of my heart I appeal to everyone in the area at that time to contact the PSNI on 0845 600 8000 or ring the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.”