Woman raped on Belfast golf course

A woman was attacked and raped at a golf course early today after being followed from a nearby dance music venue.

The 19-year-old student was attacked in the grounds of Balmoral Golf Club in south Belfast after leaving the event at King’s Hall around 2.40am.

Detectives said the woman saw her assailant at the entrance of the hall as she was leaving.

She later raised the alarm by phoning relatives on her mobile phone.

Detective Inspector Raymond Ramsey said although the teenager was severely traumatised she was able to supply police with a detailed description of the man.

“This is a young lady who was out at a social event enjoying herself. She has been left severely traumatised by this incident. My thoughts are with her and her immediate family,” he added.

The attacker was in his early 20s, around 6ft, thin build, with short dark ginger hair. He had a pointed nose and freckled face and spoke with a local accent.

Appealing for witnesses, Mr Ramsey said he was confident someone would know the identity of the man.

“The description is very, very good. There are a lot of prominent features.

“I believe this was an event that people would attend with friends or relatives so someone must know who he is.”

Police said the young woman had left the hall to get on a bus which had been arranged to take her and others home.

When she went outside the bus was not there and she made her way to the grounds of the golf club.