Investigation underway following alleged sexual assault of teenage girl in Downpatrick

An investigation is underway following the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl in Downpatrick.

Police say the alleged incident happened in the Samson’s Lane area on Tuesday morning.

They're upping patrols in the area over the coming days and weeks.

A PSNI statement said, “Detectives from the Police Service Rape Crime Unit (RCU) are investigating a sexual assault on a teenage girl in the Samson’s Lane area, off the Ardglass Road in Downpatrick shortly after 8.30am on Tuesday, 24th June.”

Local District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett said, “I want to reassure the community that a dedicated, skilled and specialist trained team of Detectives are working at pace to support the victim of this crime and to progress the investigation.”

“I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area yesterday morning, or who has any information that could help our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to please bring it to us by calling 101, quoting reference 353 24/06/25 or online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report”

“If you would prefer to provide your information anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity, you can do so by calling 0800 555 111 or via http://crimestoppers-uk.org”

“I want to further reassure the community that there will be a noticeable increase in police patrols in the area in the coming days and weeks.”