Call for improved street lighting after woman left traumatised by sex attack

There has been a call for improved street lighting on a Limavady pathway where a woman was the victim of a sex attack earlier this month.

Police say the 21-year-old was left traumatised after she sexually assaulted by a man while walking along the Blackburn Path (pictured) between 12.30am and 1.00am on Sunday, 5 June last.

The suspect has been described as being aged between 30 and 35 with a local accent.

He is understood to be 6’1” tall with black hair and a short beard.

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Detective Inspector Lynne Knox said: “This young woman has been through a traumatic ordeal and we are keen to trace anyone who can assist our investigation in any way.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw a man matching this description in the Blackburn Path or Main Street areas around the time of this assault, to contact police on 101.

“Alternatively, information can be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The incident has prompted a call for more street lighting to be erected along the pathway.

Local Sinn Fein Councillor Brenda Chivers said: “My thoughts are with the victim of this awful attack at this time.

"I would encourage anyone with information about what happened to bring it forward to the PSNI immediately.

"There have been a number of incidents of crime in the Blackburn Path area and I will continue to campaign to have the street lighting in the area improved so people using the area feel safe."