Police probe woman’s rape in east Belfast

THE PSNI have appealed for information after a woman was raped in Belfast.

The attack happened close to the Holywood Arches in the Upper Newtownards Road area on Sunday.

The victim, who is in her 40s, was seriously assaulted between 4 and 4.30am.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are working to establish the details of this incident and are asking anyone who may have been in the Upper Newtownards Road area and who may have seen the female or who saw anything suspicious to contact them immediately.”

East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton said he was concerned at the attack in east Belfast

He said: “This type of violent crime is deplorable and must carry the strongest possible condemnation.

“Those who carry out such attacks on women are dangerous and if they get away with it they will without doubt attack another vulnerable woman.”

“There will be those in the community who have some information about this dreadful incident; or they will learn about it.

“The PSNI needs the help of the entire community to put behind bars the violent thug(s) carried out this sickening crime.”

Alliance east Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane also condemned the attack.

She said: “This was a horrific and sickening crime. It has shocked the local community.

“My thoughts are with this woman at this time. I hope she will be able to recover from such a traumatic and harrowing incident.”