Girl, 15, sexually assaulted by gang in Belfast

Police were today hunting up to 10 youths who sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl in a Belfast park.

The terrifying attack happened last night at Waterworks Park, Antrim Road, north Belfast, as the teenager and a friend walked near a playground.

The park was sealed off today as officers searched for clues. The girl was also being interviewed by police about her ordeal.

Clothing believed to have been ripped from the girl’s body during the attack has been recovered from a lake in the park and divers were searching for more items.

However a police spokesman said it was too early to confirm if the clothing was the teenager’s.

The attack took place around 11pm yesterday. The teenager’s friend ran to nearby houses to raise the alarm.

Politicians in the area said local people had been shocked by the attack.

Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly said: “This was an absolutely deplorable attack on a young girl.

“As I understand it a gang of youths attacked the girl as she and her friend walked through the park.”

He said the local community had been striving to “take back” the Waterworks and other public areas from those who were using them for anti-social behaviour.

Alban Maginness, of the SDLP, said he was “shocked and very angry” at the attack.

“It is completely unacceptable that young women are not safe in their own neighbourhood,” he added.

Mr Maginness called on the police and city council to do all they could to make the area safe for families and young people.

“The park should be a fantastic resource in north Belfast but while these sorts of attacks occur people cannot feel safe,” he said.