Police in the North are investigating a serious sexual assault by a gang of youths on a teenage girl in Belfast last night.
Police in the North are looking for up to 10 youths who sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl in a Belfast park last night.
The terrifying attack happened at Waterworks Park, on the Antrim Road in the of the city, as the teenager and a friend walked near a playground.
The park has sealed off as officers search for clues. The girl has also been interviewed by police about her ordeal.
Clothing believed to have been ripped from the girl's body during the attack has been recovered from a lake in the park and divers are searching for more items.
However a police spokesman says it is too early to confirm if the clothing was the teenager's.
During the attack, which took place at around 11 p.m., the victim's friend ran to nearby houses to raise the alarm.
Politicians in the area said local people had been shocked by the attack.
Sinn Fein's Mr Gerry Kelly said: "This was an absolutely deplorable attack on a young girl. He said the local community had been striving to "take back" the Waterworks and other public areas from those who were using them for anti-social behaviour.
Mr Alban Maginness, of the SDLP, said he was "shocked and very angry" at the attack. "It is completely unacceptable that young women are not safe in their own neighbourhood," he added.
Mr Maginness called on the police and city council to do all they could to make the area safe for families and young people.
PA