A DISTRICT - Serious Sexual Assault, Beechview Park Belfast
31 Jan 2012
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a serious sexual assault in the West Belfast area in the early hours of Monday 30th January.
It is alleged that a woman was attacked by two unknown males in the grounds of the disused Beechmount Leisure Centre adjacent to Beechview Park, Belfast in the early hours of this morning. The males are described as being in their twenties. One is described as being approximately 5'4" tall, medium build with brown fairly short hair, thicker on top, wearing a grey hoodie and dark jeans. The second male is described as 5'7", skinny build wearing dark clothing.
Area Commander Chief Inspector Emma Bond said "We are appealing for information following a report of a serious sexual assault in the West Belfast area in the early hours of Monday morning.
"It is understood that a woman was attacked by two unknown men in the grounds of a disused area at Beechmount Leisure Centre, which is close to Beechview Park.
"This was a despicable crime and is a very distressing incident for anyone to go through. We understand the public’s concern following this shocking attack. But please be assured, this is being taken extremely seriously and is being investigated by a specialist team of highly trained detectives in our Rape Crime Unit who handle incidents of this nature with the utmost sensitivity.
"Whilst sexual crime is not prevalent in the area, one attack is still one too many.
"CCTV is currently being examined. Patrols in the area have been increased and neighbourhood officers are engaging with the community in an effort to gather information on what happened. We are firmly committed to making the area safer for everyone and are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
"Members of the community and local representatives have already been extremely helpful and police are continuing to appeal to anyone with information who has not yet contacted us to do so. In particular we want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward no matter how inconsequential you think your information may be.
"Anyone who has any information about the incident or who seen anything suspicious in the area at the time is asked to contact Detectives at the Rape Crime Unit at Ladas Drive on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111."
