Man arrested after Irish woman allegedly raped in Algarve holiday resort

An Irish woman has reported being raped in the Algarve holiday resort of Albufeira.

The 21-year-old was targeted as she walked home in the early hours of Sunday morning. Portuguese police said on Wednesday they had arrested a 24-year-old suspect.

The woman is a bar worker who was heading home after finishing her shift. Police said her attacker took advantage of the fact she was “vulnerable” because she had been drinking.

The Policia Judiciaria police force, which made the arrest said: “The Judicial Police, through the Southern Directorate, identified and arrested yesterday a 24-year-old foreign national, on strong suspicion of committing a crime of rape against a 21-year-old young woman.

“After the nightspot where the victim worked had closed, and while she was on her way home, she was approached on the street by the suspect.

“Taking advantage of the young woman’s vulnerable state, resulting from the consumption of alcohol, he subjected her to significant sexual acts.

“Following the launch of an investigation, detectives were able to gather various pieces of evidence that culminated in the suspect’s arrest.”

“Brought before the competent judicial authorities for judicial questioning, he was conditionally released after providing a statement of identity and residence, with the obligation to report daily to the criminal police body closest to his residence.

“He was also prohibited from contacting the victim in any way.

“The investigation is being led by Albufeira’s Department of Criminal Investigation and Prosecution.”

In August 2024 an Irish tourist believed to be aged around 50 told police she had been sexually attacked by two men in Albufeira.

Reports at the time said police were trying to speak to potential witnesses as well as checking CCTV cameras in the area.

The exact location of the alleged street rape was never made public.