Australian woman 'gang raped by five men' in Paris just days before the Olympics
An Australian woman who was allegedly gang raped in Paris just days before the Olympics opening ceremony had a flight booked home the following day.
The distressed 25-year-old woman told police she had been attacked by five men 'of African appearance' after seeking refuge inside a kebab shop just metres from the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret theatre at about 5am on Saturday.
The woman, who was described having 'her dress inside out' and carrying her underwear in her hand, also claimed her mobile phone had been stolen.
'Disoriented and unable to speak a word of French', she was taken to Bichat hospital after the owners of the Dounia kebab shop, a late-night Lebanese food restaurant on Boulevard de Clichy, called police for help.
The street, famed for its arts and theatre outlets, is also a red light district, with a lap dancing club and a sex shop next to the Lebanese trattoria.
The woman, who was reportedly in Paris for the Fete de Musique music festival, told investigators of her horrific ordeal; however, she was reportedly unable to give details on the exact place or circumstances surrounding the attack.
Parisian police want to avoid fear being spread among tourists as hundreds of thousands flock to the French capital for the Olympic Games.
It has since emerged the alleged assault happened just a day before the young woman was due to fly back to the safety of Australia.
She apparently had a flight home booked for Sunday, according to 2GB's Olympics reporter Clinton Maynard, and it is unclear if she is still in France.
Police are now inspecting CCTV footage but say even if she is no longer in France they will try to identify the alleged perpetrators, who 'young and of African appearance'.
Paris Prosecutor's Office announced an investigation into the incident was under way.
'The investigation into the charge of gang rape likely to have been committed on the night of July 19 to 20 has been entrusted to the second judicial police district,' Paris Prosecutor's office said.
Alliance Paris Police Union said investigators will 'do everything to quickly identify the individuals and bring them to justice'.
The incident comes just days before the Olympics is set to begin, and despite Paris launching a major security operation ahead of the event.
Armed guards have been spotted patrolling the streets, metal barriers now line the Seine.
A huge force of some 45,000 police officers drafted in from 43 countries and 18,000 soldiers will make up the defence system.
But alongside human efforts, several aerial units will also be involved in the 'unprecedented' operation, including Rafale fighter jets, AWACS surveillance flights, Reaper surveillance drones and helicopters with expert snipers on board.
Some 1,700 members of the British police force are already supporting French officers in Paris and Marseille as well as UK sniffer dogs that have been handpicked by French authorities.
