Detectives questioning 20-year-old man at Strand Road police station on suspicion of rape in Derry on Sunday
POLICE in Derry have revealed that detectives are investigating a second sexual serious assault in the city over the weekend.
This morning a 15-year-old was granted bail at Derry Magistrates’ Court charged with raping a 17-year-old girl in St Columb’s Park.
He denies the charge is banned from drinking alcohol, contacting the victim or witnesses, banned from having a mobile phone is to be abide by a night time to morning curfew as part of his bail conditions.
Now the PSNI say a second rape allegation is being investigated but stressed there is no link between the two incidents.
The second serious sexual assault was received on Sunday night.
It was reported, also by a 17-year-old girl, that she too was raped in St Columb’s Park.
A 20 year old male suspect was arrested this morning and remains in police custody at Strand Road police station at this time for questioning.
Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: “There is no link between these incidents and in both cases detectives were able to locate and quickly arrest suspects.
“As those cases are now subject to the legal process, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further however it is not the case that people frequenting St Columb’s Park should be alarmed or reluctant to visit.
“Local police work closely with park wardens and other relevant statutory agencies on an ongoing basis to try to ensure the park is a safe environment for all. We will meet with our partners in the coming days to collectively examine how we can continue to improve in this area and if extra measures can be implemented.
“The park forms part of our regular patrols and officers carry out frequent checks of the area when they are not responding to emergency calls or providing assistance to the public.”
A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed that Council would work closely with the PSNI to ensure the park remains a safe area for the public.
“Council reviews security at the park on an ongoing basis, and we will be liaising with the police and relevant statutory partners to consider how safety issues at the park can be effectively addressed going forwards.
“We would urge the public to respect that St Columb’s Park is a shared community space frequented by families and young children, and to report any incidents directly to the PSNI, and our park rangers by contacting Council’s Park Manager Team on 02871 253253.”