Police probe rape of woman in west Belfast

DETECTIVES are investigating a serious sexual assault on a woman in west Belfast.

The victim, aged in her 20s, was attacked in the Lagmore Avenue area, close to Altan Park, shortly before 1.30am on Wednesday.

A man believed to be about 25 years old is hunted in connection with the rape.

The suspect is described as being of thin build with a shaven head, distinctive dark eye brows and a local accent, and was wearing grey coloured track bottoms and a grey hooded top.

The PSNI said: “Police are working to establish the details of this incident and are asking anyone who may have been in the Lagmore Avenue or Altan Park area and who may have seen the female or who saw anything suspicious to contact them immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact detectives in the Rape Crime Unit on 0845 600 8000.

The attack has been condemned by local Sinn Fein MLA and Stormont junior minister Jennifer McCann.

She said: “Our first thoughts are with the young woman who has suffered this horrendous attack.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information no matter how insignificant they think it might be to bring it forward to the PSNI.

“The perpetrator of this vile crime needs to be apprehended immediately.”