Three men arrested following report of 'serious sexual assault' in Newtownards

Q Newsdesk

Three men have now been arrested on suspicion of rape following the report of a serious sexual assault on a young woman in Newtownards.

It happened in the Londonderry Park area of the Portaferry Road early this morning.

Police said that at around 6.30 the woman reported she had been assaulted by a number of men in the area.

(Londonderry Park, Newtownards)

A PSNI statement said:

"Detectives from Public Protection Branch are appealing for witnesses following a serious sexual assault on a young female in the vicinity of Londonderry Park on the Portaferry Road in Newtownards early this morning, Sunday 15 September."

"At around 6.25am the female reported that she had been assaulted by a number of males in the vicinity of the Park a short time earlier."

"A 28 year old male has been arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in police custody at this time."

"Detective Sergeant Lennon is appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Londonderry Park or Portaferry Road early this morning and who witnessed this incident or anyone who has information that could assist Police with their enquiries to contact detectives in Newtownards on 101, quoting reference 554 15/09/19. " 

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."

A further statement said:

Detectives investigating a serious sexual assault on a young female in Newtownards early this morning have made further arrests. Two males, aged 19 and 18, have been arrested on suspicion of rape. A 28 year old male arrested earlier today remains in police custody at this time.

— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) September 15, 2019