Sex assault on woman in laneway

The 25-year-old woman was found in a distressed state in Ballyronan at about 0430 BST on Sunday.

It is believed she had been assaulted in a laneway leading to a caravan park off the Shore Road.

Detectives want to hear from a man, said to be over 6ft tall with a broken English accent, who was seen walking along the lane towards the Shore Road.

PSNI inspector Eamon Foy appealed for anyone on the road who witnessed anything suspicious to contact the police.

"This has been a traumatic incident for this young women," he said.

"The whole community in Ballyronan have been shocked by it."

Mr Foy also praised two local men who went to the assistance of the victim.

A police investigation into the incident is under way and a forensic examination of the scene has been carried out.

SDLP assembly member Patsy McGlone said his thoughts were with the victim of the attack.

"But all our energies must be directed to ensuring that the person responsible is apprehended before he commits further serious crime," he added.

"I understand the police have strong leads to work on, and they should get the help of every decent person in taking the attacker out of circulation without delay."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
PSNI
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites