Lo shocked at city centre rape

12.54.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 20th Jun 2008

South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo

South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has expressed shock at news of the rape of a 21-year-old woman in Belfast city centre in the early hours of this morning. The attack took place in Arthur Street and Anna Lo said that she is deeply distressed at number of incidents of this nature in the city in recent months.

Anna Lo MLA said "I am appalled at this attack. It is deeply worrying given that this happened in a city centre street at a time when a significant number of people would have been making their way home after a night out.

"This type of horrific attack is happening more and more frequently in the city. This is a deeply disturbing trend in the area.

"My thoughts are with the victim of the attack at this very difficult time.

"I would urge people to stay safe by walking home with friends or taking a taxi home if they are alone. Such attacks send a wave of fear across the community and the perpetrator must be taken off our streets urgently. Anyone with information on this incident should contact police immediately."

ENDS