Police are stepping up patrols in Londonderry after two assaults

Police have announced they will step up patrols in Londonderry following reports of two sexual assaults on women.

Officers have appealed for information after an attack on a teenage girl in the Bank Place area of ​​the city in the early hours of Saturday.

Meanwhile, a woman in her 50s suffered serious facial injuries after an attack in the Lecky Road area of ​​Derry in the early hours of Sunday.

Following the incident on Saturday, a police spokesperson has appealed for information and witnesses.

“The attack took place in the early hours of Saturday morning, October 26, at approximately 1.30am in Bank Place in the city centre,” they said.

“The suspect is described as a white male, believed to be 6ft tall, medium to large build, wearing white trainers, dark colored jeans and a dark colored T-shirt with some type of marking or logo on it. the back.

“We have a number of calls to make as we continue to investigate, including checking CCTV.”

They added: “It is understandable that the victim, in her late teens, has been left traumatized and extremely distressed. Our specialist officers will continue to support her.

“We would urge anyone with information about what happened to please contact us and tell us what you know.

“If you can assist our investigation, we ask that you contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1303 of 26/10/24.”

A man appeared before Londonderry Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday in connection with Sunday’s incident.

PSNI area commander for Derry City and Strabane, Chief Inspector Gillian Kearney, said there will be an increased police presence in the city.

“I would like to reassure the public that our officers will be visible in communities, with an increased presence ahead of Halloween, especially during the night-time economy,” she said.

“Not only will the public see uniformed officers on the ground, but we will also have plainclothes officers on patrol to detect predatory behavior in bars, nightclubs and on the streets.

“We exist to identify people who engage in predatory behavior, including sexual harassment, inappropriate touching and loitering.

“We are on patrol and we are here to help and I would urge anyone who is concerned or needs help to call us on 101, always 999 in an emergency.”