DETECTIVES IN NORTHERN Ireland are appealing for information and witnesses after a woman in her 50s was sexually assaulted by an unknown man in an alleyway in the Lecky Road area of Derry.

The incident occurred at 1:15am this morning. 

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Crothers said that the woman 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.

“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 then able to raise the alarm for help and the man fled the scene on foot, he said, adding that the woman required hospital treatment for her injuries and has been left “extremely distressed and shaken” by the attack.

“Our enquiries are continuing today and as such you will notice an increased police presence in the area.

“The suspect is a white man, of broad build with dark hair and was wearing a dark short puffer style jacket and light-coloured trainers.

“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.

“We would also be especially keen to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV or mobile footage of the area during this period of time that we could examine.

“Due to the hour change this morning – CCTV, home and car recording systems may contain footage that is appropriately timestamped to reflect that. Please take this into account when you are reviewing all relevant material.”

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.