Woman treated after rape ordeal

Forensic scientists carried out tests at the scene of the attack

A woman in her early 20s has been taken to hospital after suffering a serious sexual assault in County Londonderry.

She was set upon while walking across rough ground at Newbridge Road near the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine at about 0100 GMT on Saturday.

Three men were involved in the attack, with one of them raping the woman, who had been returning from a night out in the town.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

'Shocked'

Detectives say the rape was carried out by a man thought to be aged about 25, with shaven hair, stubble and a mole on his left cheek.

He had a gold necklace and a gold sovereign ring, and was wearing a pale blue shirt and dark trousers.

The mayor of Coleraine, Robert McPherson, said the attack had shocked people in the town.

"I think any attack of this nature puts fear into the community - parents will be frightened for their daughters being out alone," he said.

Forensic scientists carried out tests on the patch of grass where the attack took place.

Police are also reviewing CCTV footage of the pub where she had spent the evening.