TWO Brits were among the victims of alleged mass sexual assault attacks that unfolded on New Year’s Eve in Milan.
The pair was partying in the iconic Piazza Duomo alongside a group of six friends from Belgium when they were allegedly attacked by a mob of men during the chaotic crowd.
RexMass sexual assault attacks allegedly took place during New Year’s eve celebrations in Milan[/caption]
RexTwo Brits partying with a group of Belgians were caught up in the alleged attacks[/caption]
RexPolice were present at the NYE celebrations in Piazza Duomo, Milan[/caption]
According to reports, the attackers, described as second-generation North Africans, surrounded the group in the square, Italian news agency Ansa reports.
The victims, visibly shaken, later went to the police to file a complaint.
Italian authorities are now investigating the matter, which has escalated into a larger inquiry involving multiple assaults.
A woman from Belgium, who was part of the group, was questioned by prosecutors as part of the investigation into sexual assault and molestation, according to Corriere Della Sera.
It’s been reported that the alleged assailants waved national flags and made derogatory remarks about Italy.
One of the alleged victims, who was also caught up in the alleged assaults, recounted her experience to investigators.
She described being trapped in a “human corridor” surrounded by men who allegedly groped her before her partner managed to pull her to safety, Italian paper Il Giorno reports.
The alleged victim later spoke with Milan prosecutors, recounting how she was dragged into a crowd of 30 to 40 men, most of whom were described as foreigners.
Some of the men were allegedly performing the sexual assaults while others acted as lookouts, she claimed.
“She was so scared,” said a witness who confirmed the details of the alleged attack.
“I also saw other girls crying,” she added.
Authorities are currently investigating at least five separate cases of sexual violence in the area that night.
Surveillance footage has been obtained as officials are said to be examining the recordings to identify any perpetrators.
In total, cops have received complaints from at least seven victims, but more women could still come forward, reports Corriere Della Sera.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
Always keep your phone nearby.
Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
If you are in danger, call 999.
Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]