British tourist, 21, ‘is raped on popular Algarve holiday beach after being dragged into bushes while being separated from friends’
- The police were alerted this morning by the alleged victim and are now investigating
Police are investigating the alleged rape of a British tourist who was dragged into the bushes at a popular Algarve holiday beach after being separated from her friends.
The 21-year-old woman told police the sexual assault took place on the sand next to a walkway at Praia da Rocha beach in the municipality of Portimao.
The police were alerted around 5am this morning by the Brit who contacted them at a tourist assistance office near the beach.
A police source said: ‘We received a complaint from a young English woman just after 5am this morning.
He said that he had been the victim of a rape on one of the walkways on the beach at the foot of the cliffs of Praia da Rocha.
“She described the attacker as a thin man with an African complexion, who spoke French and was around 5 feet 9 inches tall and wore a white headscarf.”
The alleged rape took place on Praia da Rocha beach in the municipality of Portimao
The woman, who is in her early twenties, told police the sexual assault took place on the sand next to a walkway on the beach (file image)
The Rolling Loud Festival, which attracts many British visitors, started today at Praia da Rocha beach and will last until Friday.
Another well-placed source said: ‘She told police the individual approached her on the catwalk access stairs and then, when she was already on the catwalk, took advantage of the distance she had from her friends, dragged her towards some bushes and within 10 minutes he raped her.
“She said that he also stole a black bag, where he had his mobile phone and passport.”
The respected Portuguese daily Correio da Manha, citing police sources, said a suspect whose nationality is still unknown has been identified.
It was not immediately clear if any arrests have been made.
The Portuguese Judicial Police have now taken up the case. They haven’t made any official comment yet.
This year’s lineup includes American rappers Travis Scott, Playboi Carti and Meek Mill.
The festival is brought to a close by another music festival popular with British visitors called Afro National Portugal, which ran from June 28-30.
It is not known if the woman who contacted police, or the suspect identified by officers, had traveled to the area to attend any of the music festivals.
Praia da Rocha is known for its magnificent beach, as well as its lively atmosphere. It is an hour’s drive from Faro airport.
I am Rakesh Sharma, I associated with Elite News as an Editor, since 2021. I take care of all the news operations like content, budget, hiring and policy making.