Gardaí probe claim woman was raped by five-man gang

AN investigation has been launched after a woman claimed she was raped by a gang of five men who entered her home through an open front door.

The 38-year-old woman told gardaí she was in her home in Ennis, Co Clare, on Saturday afternoon when she was confronted by five men who had walked in to the house.

She then told gardaí she was raped by the five men.

After raising the alarm, the woman, a non-national, was taken to the Sexual Assault Unit of the South Infirmary Hospital in Cork.

It is understood she also suffered a number of cuts to her body, believed to have been caused by a razor.

Gardaí in Ennis have launched an investigation into the claim and appealed for information.

The assault is said to have happened some time between 3.30pm and 6.30pm.

The victim was expected to make a formal statement to gardaí last night after she had been able to rest for a few hours after her ordeal. A garda spokesperson confirmed they would have more information and a clearer picture about the alleged incident after the woman’s statement had been taken. The scene has been preserved for technical examination by members of the Clare Divisional Crime Scene Investigation Team.

Ennis Superintendent John Kerin last night confirmed that a full garda investigation has been initiated and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

“We are treating this as a serious incident and would hope that anyone who knows anything about this alleged attack would contact us at Ennis garda station.”

Gardaí also carried out house to house inquiries in the area close to where the assault is reported to have taken place.

Garda HQ would not say where the assault took place and were unable yesterday to pass on descriptions of those who are alleged to have carried out the attack.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the gardaí at Ennis on 065 6848100.