Brit tourist ‘gang-raped in street by hooded men who filmed attack on their phones as she walked home’ in lawless Paris

A BRITISH woman gang-raped on the streets of Paris after a music festival may have been filmed by her attackers, investigators fear.

The tourist was found sobbing in the street in the early hours of Saturday morning after she was assaulted by a gang of hooded men.

AFP

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It follows similar attacks at the event in the French capital – one that has become notorious with violent crime and a lack of policing.

The latest victim – who cannot be named for legal reasons – remains in the Cochin hospital, in the centre of the French capital.

She was set upon less than half-a-mile away during the Fête de la Musique, which means Music Party.

Thousands of people were on the street, many of them drinking heavily and taking drugs, as they listened to local bands and individual singers overnight between Friday and Saturday.

After leaving Olympia hall the woman was attacked by several men who pulled her into a secluded area before raping her and stealing her phone.

She was found in tears and stumbling through the streets of Paris’ 1st arrondissement by firefighters.

An investigating source, referring to the shopping and arts complex, said: “The attack happened around the Châtelet-Les Halles forum in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“She was walking back from a concert at the Olympia music venue and says she was approached by a group of men.

“They surrounded her, and attacked her, and the fear is that they recorded their actions using their mobile phones.”

The woman’s own phone was stolen by the men, who are thought to have been wearing hoodies to hide their identities.

Lawless Paris

AUTHORITIES in Paris have vowed to crackdown on crime ahead of the Olympics, which kick off next month.

Police said they would clean up the tourist area of the capital before thousands descend for the beloved games.

But on Friday night’s Fête de la Musique, there were several incidents reported to police – including an alleged attempted murder.

Four people were taken into police custody after a knife fight involving two serving soldiers, a spokesman for Paris prosecutors said.

An investigation into ‘attempted intentional murder has been entrusted to the 14th arrondissement police station,’ a spokesman said.

He added: “Six people had to be separated and five of them were wounded, one seriously, who was hospitalised.”

There have been no arrests made in the gang rape case, the same source saod, but CCTV was being examined for clues.

There are frequent complaints about the lack of policing at the Fête de la Musique, which is always attended by thousands of tourists, including many from Britain.

It extends across most of the city, and there are frequent complaints about disorder, vandalism and littering.

Despite this, local councils allow it to continue, with police being ordered to keep a low profile so as not to spoil the liberal atmosphere.

In 2023, there were 93 rapes committed in public places in Paris, compared to 92 in 2022.

Police are investigating the incident.

No arrests have been made.

It comes after similar gang rape at the Fête de la Musique in 2021, when a woman was surrounded in a street close to the Champs Élysées.

Within a day, a video of the attack was circulating on social media, and it was used as evidence to try and find the rapists.

Despite numerous appeals, they have not been found, however, and the case remains active.

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Warning to Brits in France

THE Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned Brits heading to France to stay vigilant as crooks roam the streets.

Tourists from the UK have been urged to take “sensible precautions” against street and car crime.

The authority’s website says: “Pickpockets can work in gangs; one distracts you while the other one goes into your bag.

“Don’t leave your passport or other valuable items alone in vehicles.”

The FCDO has also warned of several cases of assault on the RER (train) line B, which is used by many holidaymakers as it serves Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, Orly airports and Paris Gare du Nord Eurostar terminus.

Brits in France have also been told to take care when boozing as “drinks served in bars abroad are often stronger than those in the UK”.

The FCDO website adds: ” Be careful about taking drinks from strangers or leaving your drinks unattended.

“Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted.”

Tourists have also been warned that terrorists are “very likely” to try to carry out attacks in France.

This could be in shopping centres, entertainment establishments, cultural events, public transport and places of worship.