Gardai investigate rape of Australian in Cork

Gardai are investigating an incident in which an Australian tourist was raped and viciously assaulted in Cork city early this morning.

The woman - who is in her twenties - was attacked inside the railings of a building on Western Road after going to a pub on Washington Street.

The ordeal lasted for half an hour just feet away from a busy street, some time between midnight and 2 a.m.

Gardai are interviewing the victim, examining CCTV footage and appealing for witnesses to the attack, a Garda spokeswoman said.

She said the attacker was in his late twenties; of five foot, nine inches in height; of slim build, with light brown hair. The scene on Western Road has been preserved for technical examination.