Woman, 21, raped in city centre

A 21-year-old woman has been raped in Belfast city centre.

She was attacked by a man in a laneway off Arthur Street at about 0230 BST on Friday. A police spokeswoman said her attacker had long blond hair.

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

In particular, they want to speak to two men who helped the victim after the incident.

South Belfast Alliance assembly member Anna Lo said she was "appalled" by the attack.

"It is deeply worrying given that this happened in a city centre street at a time when a significant number of people would have been making their way home after a night out," she said.

"This type of horrific attack is happening more and more frequently in the city.

"My thoughts are with the victim of the attack at this very difficult time."