Good response to photofit of rapist, say Cork gardai

Gardai in Cork say there has been a good response from the public to the release of a photofit picture of the man who raped a 16-year-old schoolgirl in the city on Christmas Eve.

"We're very satisfied with the response to date. We received around 20 calls nominating different suspects and now we have to go checking those out," said a Garda spokesman.

The photofit was compiled from descriptions of the rapist given by the girl and a number of people who spotted him loitering on Friar's Walk minutes before the rape.

Gardai describe the man as being between 18 and 20 years and 5ft 7ins to 5' 8ins. He was of slight build, with fair to brown hair cut tight with a fringe. The man - who spoke with a Cork accent and rode a white or light-coloured motor scooter - was also wearing a white helmet with a multicoloured pattern and a tan suede jacket.

The rape happened at around 2.45 a.m. on Mount Pleasant Avenue shortly after the girl had left a friend's house. The man approached her and brought her down Mount Pleasant Avenue where he raped her. The girl managed to escape and raised the alarm.

Anyone who recognises the man from the photofit is asked to contact the gardai in confidence at Anglesea Street station on 021522000.