A woman was subjected to a ‘terrifying ordeal of sexual assault’ in Londonderry.

The woman, aged in her 50s, was left with serious facial injuries following the incident in the Lecky Road area of ​​the city in the early hours of Sunday.

A police spokesman said they believed the attack happened at around 1.15am.

“The 50-year-old woman was approached by an unknown man who pulled her into a nearby alley where he sexually assaulted her and also punched her repeatedly in the face and bang her head against a wall,” they said.

“She suffered serious facial and other injuries as a result of this terrifying ordeal from which she was only able to escape after her attacker let her go.

“The woman then managed to raise the alarm for help and the suspect fled the scene on foot.

“She required hospital treatment for her injuries and was understandably extremely distraught and shaken by what had happened. Specialist officers will continue to support her.”

The police spokesman described the suspect as a white man with a broad build and black hair.

“Our inquiries continue today and as such you will see an increased police presence in the area,” they said.

“The suspect is a white male with a broad build, dark hair and was wearing a short dark puffer jacket and light colored trainers.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have been in the Lecky Road area between 1.15am and 1.35am this morning and witnessed what happened or noticed anything suspicious to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 323 27/10/24.”