Woman protester 'gang raped' at anti-capitalist camp in Glasgow

An anti-capitalist camp has been deserted after reports a protestor was gang raped in her own tent by six drunk infiltrators.



Occupy campaigners said a 28-year-old protestor was subjected to the brutal sex attack at the camp in George Square, Glasgow, in the early hours of this morning.



It is believed a group of men entered the anti capitalist camp, one of more than 900 cities across the globe where the demonstrations are taking place, necking alcohol and started chatting to protestors.



Investigation: Police sealed off the camp after reports the woman was gang raped by six infiltrators this morning

Witnesses said the men, not part of the protest, were standing outside one of the tents on land outside Glasgow's City Chambers boasting about having sex with the girl, even offering others 'a shot'.

All official members of the group, which was set up nine days ago, have now left George's Square while police conduct their investigation.

One protester, who asked not to be named, said: 'It is bad news. The wee lassie didn't know what was happening.

'There was a gang of about three men in the tent with the girl at the time and she sounded as if she was crying while they were doing God knows what to her.

'Everyone is quite shaken up about this and there is a real concern that this will bring an end to what has been a peaceful protest.'



Shattering the peace: Protestors say the attackers were screaming to other campaigners to take 'a shot' as they took it in turns to rape the woman

Another one of the protesters, 'James', said he was woken in the early hours to the sound of a police radio and that was when he learned that a girl had been sexually assaulted.

He said: 'I didn't know what was happening until one of the other campers told me.

'Most of the people in the camp have been pretty polite and helpful - nice people really.

'But this has really worried folk, especially the girls staying here. It is not something you'd expect to happen with so many people around.'

Organisers at the camp, a makeshift community comprising about 25 tents, have said that there has been a policy of 'no drink' and 'no drugs', which has been adhered to.

London: The Occupy Landon camp has also been plagued by controversy, but is still up and running

James added: 'This group of guys, I think they said they came from Ruchazie (north-east Glasgow), were not caring about those rules and were just looking for somewhere to jump about and get drunk.

'They were basically looking for trouble and this poor girl has been on the receiving end.'



A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said 'At approximately 00.45 this morning police received a report of a serious sexual assault on a 28-year-old woman in George Square.

'Officers are still at the scene and inquiries are on-going.'



A statement on the Occupy group's Facebook page confirmed the protesters have left the site to help police with their investigation.

It said: 'Occupy Glasgow is shocked and deeply saddened about the alleged sexual assault on one of the individuals that have been co-inhabiting George Square with the separate Occupy Glasgow movement.

'Since 15 October, Occupy Glasgow have provided free food, shelter and clothing to some individuals who had none of their own and we immensely regret any harm that may have befallen one of these individuals.

'We are fully committed to working with Strathclyde Police in their current investigation, and in continued improvements to the provision of safety to occupiers, the homeless and the general public that use George Square.