Safety fears surge in Paris as Australian tourist reports gang rape | WATCH

In a harrowing incident that has put Paris on high alert, CCTV footage has surfaced showing a young Australian woman fleeing into a kebab shop after allegedly being gang-raped by five men. The 25-year-old tourist was discovered in a disoriented state outside the eatery on Boulevard de Clichy, near the famous Moulin Rouge, at around 5 a.m. on Saturday.

Desperate escape caught on camera

The footage, now widely circulated, depicts the terrified woman entering the kebab shop, seeking help from bewildered staff and customers. Her dress was reportedly backward and partially torn, a grim indication of the traumatic event she had endured. As she tried to explain her ordeal, a man entered the shop whom the woman identified as one of her attackers. In a shocking moment, the alleged assailant brazenly patted her on the back before fleeing when confronted by a customer.

A 25 year old Australian tourist was gang raped by five men of African appearance in Paris, France.

She entered a kebab shop just metres away from the famous Moulin Rouge, with her dress backwards and partially torn off.

As she sought refuge in a kebab store, one of her… pic.twitter.com/RxtYJSSc66

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 24, 2024

Immediate police response and investigation

Police arrived on the scene within minutes, and the woman, who described her attackers as "of African appearance," was taken to Bichat Hospital for treatment. The shop owner recounted to 7News that the distraught woman couldn't stop crying, her dress damaged, and her phone stolen. The Paris Prosecutor's Office confirmed an investigation into the alleged gang rape is underway, with the case assigned to the second judicial police district.

Heightened security amid Olympic preparations

This alarming event comes just days before the Olympic Games are set to commence in Paris, adding urgency to the police investigation. The Australian Embassy in Paris is collaborating closely with French authorities, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stands ready to provide consular assistance. Meanwhile, the Alliance Paris police union has assured the public that they are making every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.

As Paris prepares for the Olympics, the city's streets are under heavy surveillance, with armed guards and extensive security zones. This incident has cast a shadow over the preparations, highlighting the critical need for enhanced security measures.