Woman attacked and sexually assaulted in Co Cork

Gardaí in North Cork have begun an investigation after a woman was attacked and sexually assaulted while out walking her dog on Sunday night in Fermoy.

The incident happened around 6.45pm on Sunday as the woman, who is in her 50s, was walking her dog in the sports grounds of the Loreto Convent on the southside of the town.

She was attacked and sexually assaulted by a lone male who knocked her to the ground and sexually assaulted her before stealing some personal items belonging to the woman.

The man was disturbed by two other people out walking and he fled as they went to the assistance of the woman. The two people notified local gardaí who were quickly on the scene.

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The woman, who was badly shaken by the incident, was taken for treatment and examination at the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork city.

Gardaí cordoned off the area and a full technical examination and search of the area was due to begin at first light on Monday morning as gardaí search for clues to help them identify the attacker.

Gardaí are also expected to begin door to door inquiries in the general area and they are expected to begin harvesting CCTV around the southside of Fermoy in a bid to identify a suspect.

Anyone with any information who noticed any one acting suspiciously in the Loreto Sports Grounds or nearby areas between 6pm and 7pm last night is asked to contact Fermoy gardaí on 025 82100.