Police issue fresh appeal following sexual assault of teenage girl in Co Down

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Rape Crime Unit (RCU) are continuing to urgently investigate a serious sexual assault involving a teenage girl in Downpatrick.

The incident occurred shortly after 8.30am on Tuesday, 24 June, in the Samson’s Lane area, just off the Ardglass Road in the County Down town.

Police have released a description of someone they are seeking and are particularly appealing to members of the public who may have seen a white male, believed to be around 15 to 16 years of age, with dirty blond hair and wearing black clothing, in the area around the time of the incident.

In a statement, issued today (Friday 27 June), Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher sought to reassure the community and encouraged anyone with potentially relevant information to come forward.

“I understand that people are concerned however our specialist trained RCU detectives continue to work at pace to support the victim and progress the investigation,” she said.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area at this time, or who has any information that could help our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to please bring it to us by calling 101, quoting reference 353 24/06/25 or online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report,” added Detective Superintendent Fisher.

The PSNI also noted that those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

To further support the community, high visibility reassurance patrols will be carried out in the area over the coming days.

“Officers will be happy to listen to any information you may have,” confirmed Detective Superintendent Fisher.

Police contact information:

• Call 101, quoting reference 353 24/06/25

• Submit info online at: www.psni.police.uk/report

• Crimestoppers: Call 0800 555 111 or report anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org