POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a teenage girl was forced into a car in Co Antrim before being sexually assaulted during a "horrendous" ordeal.
The girl was targeted outside a shopping centre in the Longwoods Road area of Newtownabbey at around 2pm on Saturday.
A dark-coloured vehicle containing three men pulled up alongside the teen before she was forced inside against her will.
The car then made off in the direction of Belfast and the girl was sexually assaulted.
The car stopped in the Royal Avenue area of Belfast city centre and the victim exited the vehicle and raised the alarm.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “A full investigation is underway and we are keen to hear from anyone that could help with our enquiries.
“We would especially like to hear from anyone who noticed or has dash-cam footage of a dark-coloured car, that was travelling along the Shore Road towards York Street and onto Royal Avenue between 2pm and 2.30pm.
"The car may also have had tinted windows. Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1104 of 13/05/23.”
North Belfast DUP MLA Phillip Brett told the Irish News: "This was a truly shocking and disturbing ordeal for this young woman, and I hope police are able to identify those responsible as soon as possible. I would urge any witnesses or those with any information at all on this horrendous assault to please contact the PSNI immediately."
