There has been united condemnation of a shocking sex assault that has left a rural community disgusted.

The SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley has said the community is shocked and disgusted following the rape of a woman in front of her children in the Bessbrook area of his constituency.

Mr Bradley said: "People in the Newry area are sickened to the core at this appalling attack on a young mother as she walked in broad daylight with her children.

"Our thoughts are with the victim, her children and family as they attempt to recover from this awful ordeal.

"It is vital that everything possible is now done to catch the perpetrator of this heinous crime and I strongly appeal to anyone with information to pass it onto the police immediately," he said.

Newry & Armagh MLA Danny Kennedy has expressed his shock and outrage at the attack on a young mother in the south Armagh village just before 5pm on Saturday.

The Ulster Unionist representative said: "I can confirm that the entire Bessbrook community is both shocked and outraged at this sickening attack. My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone are obviously with the victim and her family.

"It is absolutely essential that everyone takes heed of the description of this individual.

"The police said the man was in his 50s, with white hair and was wearing a beret and a dark-coloured jacket, and that he was walking a white dog with a tartan coat.

"If anyone recognises anyone who fits this description it is their duty to come forward immediately assist the Police in any and every way possible," he urged.

"This person must be caught and caged before he can inflict any more pain and suffering on innocent people."

Sinn Fein councillor Pat McGinn said the area was a local beauty spot near a residential area. He said the community was horrified by what had happened.

"Whilst it is secluded, you can see houses, you can hear the noise of the cars. It's just unbelievable to try to imagine the horror that has taken place down here," he added.

The victim was raped while out walking with her children with the PSNI revealing yesterday that the 23-year-old was walking in Derramore Woods on Saturday when she noticed a man with a dog following her.

He attacked the woman and only ran off when one of the children began to cry.

(BMcC/GK)