Woman subjected to ‘terrifying sexual assault’ in Derry

Michael Bolton

A woman was subjected to a “terrifying sexual assault ordeal” in Derry.

The woman, aged in her 50s, has been left with serious facial injuries following the incident in the Lecky Road area of the city in the early hours of Sunday.

On Sunday evening, police said a man aged in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of related offences, adding he remained in police custody at that time.

Earlier, the police spokesperson said they believe the assault happened at approximately 1.15am.

“The woman, aged in her 50s, was approached by an unknown man who pulled her into a nearby alleyway where he sexually assaulted her, and also repeatedly hit her to the face and banged her head off a wall,” they said.

“She sustained serious facial and other injuries as a result of this terrifying ordeal that she was only able to escape from after her attacker let her go.

“The woman was able to then raise the alarm for help and the suspect fled the scene on foot.

“She required hospital treatment for her injuries and has understandably been left extremely distressed and shaken by what happened. Specialist officers will continue to support her.”

They added: “We are appealing to anyone who may have been in the Lecky Road area this morning between 1.15am and 1.35am and witnessed what happened or noticed anything suspicious to make contact with police on 101, quoting reference number 323 27/10/24.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.