Two Brit victims caught up in horror mass ‘sexual assault’ attacks on New Year’s Eve in Milan tourist spot
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.
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.
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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.
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How to report a sexual assault
- Contact a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery.
- Contact a voluntary organisation, such as Rape Crisis, Women's Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Male Survivors Partnership.
- Call the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247.
- Speak to the rape and sexual abuse support line run by Rape Crisis England and Wales – you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222 or use the online chat (both are free and are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year).