British tourist, 21, ‘is raped on popular holiday beach in Algarve after being dragged into bushes while separated from her 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 holiday beach in the Algarve after being separated from her friends.
The 21-year-old woman told police the sexual assault took place on the sand near a walkway on Praia da Rocha beach in the Portimao municipality.
The police were alerted around 5 a.m. this morning by the Briton who contacted them at a tourist office near the beach.
A police source said: ‘We received a complaint from a young English woman just after 5am this morning.
“She said she was the victim of a rape on one of the walkways on the beach at the bottom of the Praia da Rocha cliffs.
“She described the assailant as a thin African-skinned man who spoke French and was about five feet tall and wore a white scarf around his head.”
The alleged rape took place on Praia da Rocha beach in the municipality of Portimao
The woman, who is in her 20s, told police the sexual assault took place on the sand near a walkway on the beach (file image)
The Rolling Loud Festival, which attracts many British visitors, started today on Praia da Rocha beach and will continue until Friday.
Another well-placed source said: “She told police the person approached her on the access stairs to the walkway and when she was already on the walkway took advantage of the distance she came from with her friends, pulled her into some bushes and raped her in 10 minutes.
“She said he also stole a black bag in which she had her cell phone and passport.”
The respected Portuguese daily Correio da Manha, citing police sources, said a suspect has been identified whose nationality is not yet known.
It was not immediately clear whether any arrests had been made.
The Portuguese police Policia Judiciaria has now taken up the case. They have not yet made an official comment.
This year’s lineup features American rappers Travis Scott, Playboi Carti and Meek Mill.
The festival comes close to another music festival popular with British visitors called Afro National Portugal, which was held from June 28 to 30.
It is not known whether the woman who contacted police, or the suspect allegedly identified by officers, traveled to the area to attend one of the music festivals.
Praia da Rocha is known for its beautiful beach and bustling atmosphere. It is about an hour’s drive from Faro airport.