Investigation launched following serious sexually motivated attack on woman in Drumahoe

Detectives from Public Protection Branch are investigating a serious sexually motivated attack in Drumahoe last night, Friday, November 1.

A woman in her 20s was walking in Drumahoe Park at around 10pm when a man approached her from behind. The man punched the woman to the side of the head, pulled her into nearby trees and pushed her to the ground at knifepoint.

The woman struggled with her attacker, managing to strike him in the face a number of times with her torch before she was able to break free and run for help.

Police immediately responded to the area and searched for the attacker, who had fled the scene.

Detectives investigating this attack are appealing to anyone who was in the park last night and who saw anything that could assist the investigation to please get in touch.

Detective Inspector Ross Olphert said: “Understandably the victim has been left traumatised and extremely distressed by this ordeal. Our specialist officers are continuing to support her today and a full investigation is underway.

"Attacks like this are an attack on all of us. Women should be free to go about their lives free from any threat.

"I am asking anyone who can assist our investigation and help us identify this perpetrator to get in touch with us by calling 101, quoting reference 1928 01/11/24.”