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A 24-year-old man was arrested after allegedly raping a teenage girl and was left “traumatized,” according to a witness complaint.

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of rape after a teenager was seriously attacked over the bank holiday weekend.

The attack happened in the early hours of Saturday morning at around 1.30am in Bank Place in Derry city centre.

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The PSNI confirmed that a 24-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the attackPhoto credit: Alamy

The PSNI said the young woman, who was in her late teens, was left “traumatized and extremely distressed” by the sexual assault.

The PSNI yesterday requested information about the attacker. The suspect was described as a white male wearing white sneakers, dark jeans and a dark T-shirt with “some marking or logo on the back.”

It was confirmed this morning that a man has been arrested on suspicion of rape in connection with the sexual assault.

He currently remains in police custody.

A PSNI spokesman said: “Police continue to appeal for information about this incident and would ask anyone who can assist with their investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 101 quoting reference number 1303 of 26/10/24. “

Detective Chief Inspector Crothers confirmed yesterday that the PSNI will have to make “a number of appeals” as it continues its investigation, including reviewing CCTV.

He said: “We know Bank Place was busy at the time. If you were in the area or witnessed this sexual assault or believe you may have had contact with the suspect, we urge you to contact us.”

“We would also like to hear from anyone who helped the victim in any way, including calling for help.”

“To all motorists, including all taxi drivers, if you have any dashcam footage from this area at this time we would like to hear from you.

“Understandably the victim, in her late teens, is traumatized and extremely distressed.

“Our specialists will continue to support them.”

Detective Chief Inspector Crothers urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the PSNI and “tell them what you know”.

The statement added: “If you can assist our investigation, we ask that you contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1303 of 26/10/24.”

A report can be made online using the Non-Emergency Report form or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

INCREASED PATROLS

It has now been confirmed that the PSNI will be increasing its patrols ahead of Halloween.

Derry City and Strabane area commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said: “I would like to reassure the public that our officers will be visible in communities, with an increased presence ahead of Halloween, particularly during the night-time economy.”

“Not only will the public see officers in uniform on the ground, but we will also have plainclothes officers on patrol working to identify predatory behavior in bars, nightclubs and on our streets.”

“We are here to identify people who engage in predatory behavior, including sexual harassment, inappropriate touching and loitering.”

“We are on patrol and here to help and I would ask anyone who has concerns or needs assistance to please call us on 101, always 999 in an emergency.”