Young Brit tourist raped on Algarve beach as police launch probe into attack
Police are investigating the alleged rape of a British tourist on a popular Algarve holiday beach.
The woman, who is in her twenties, told cops the sex attack took place on the sand by a walkway at Praia da Rocha beach in the municipality of Portimao.
Police were alerted around 5am this morning by the alleged rape victim who contacted them at a tourist assistance office near the beach.
Respected Portuguese daily Correio da Manha, citing police sources, said a suspect has been identified.
The incident happened at 5am this morning (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Cops said this afternoon the alleged rape occurred after the woman, who is aged 21, became briefly separated from her friends.
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A police source said: “We received a complaint from a young English woman just after 5am this morning.
“She said she had been the victim of a rape on one of the walkways on the beach at the bottom of the cliffs at Praia da Rocha.
“She described the attacker as a thin man with an African complexion, who spoke French and was about 5ft 9ins and wore a white scarf on his head.”
Another well-placed source said: “She told police the individual approached her on the access stairs to the walkway and then when she was already on the walkway, took advantage of the distance she was from from her friends, pulled her into some bushes and in 10 minutes raped her.
“She said he also stole a black bag, where she had her mobile phone and passport.”
The woman, who the sources said was aged 21, was taken to Portimao Hospital for a medical examination as part of standard procedure.
It is expected to emerge later if the man said to have been identified as a suspect has been formally arrested or not.
The Rolling Loud Festival, which attracts many British visitors, kicked off on Praia da Rocha beach today and is due to last until Friday.
This year’s line-up features American rappers Travis Scott, Playboi Carti and Meek Mill.
The festival comes close on the back of another music festival popular with British visitors called Afro National Portugal, which was held from June 28 to 30.
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It is not known if the woman who has contacted police, or the suspect said to have been identified by officers, had travelled to the area to attend either of the music festivals.
Praia da Rocha is known for its magnificent beach as well as its buzzing atmosphere. It is around an hour's drive from Faro Airport.
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