Gardai in Dundalk have praised an elderly woman who fought off a man who tried to rape her. They have appealed for the public's help in identifying the assailant. An incident room has been set up in Dundalk Garda station and detectives believe that it may be possible to identify the man by scratch marks the 75-year-old widow left on his face.
The pensioner lives alone in Marian Park, Dundalk. She was assaulted by the man when she answered a knock on her front door on Sunday night. She told gardai that when she opened her door the man pushed past her and forced her to the ground. He started to remove her clothing, but she managed to fight him off.
"She fought very bravely, so much so we think he must have scratch marks on his face. He subsequently gave up and left. We would appeal for any information on identifying him, as he could hit again. He must have known this woman lived on her own," a Garda spokesman said last night.
The incident is being treated as an attempted rape and a description has been issued of the man. He is said to be about 20 years of age, of slim build with well-kept short brown hair, and he was neatly dressed.
The victim is being treated for shock in the Louth County Hospital, where she has undergone a full medical and forensic examination. Her home has also been examined and the Garda spokesman said that they were anxious to bring the investigation to a successful conclusion.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dundalk Garda station on 042-35577.