Police investigating rape of woman in Tilburg alley during King's Night

A 24-year-old woman in Tilburg said she was raped on the street in the city center during the overnight hours early on Saturday as people were out celebrating King's Night. The woman said she did not know the man who assaulted her, and area residents said they believe it was a suspicious person who had been pestering women earlier in the evening, according to Omroep Brabant.

In a short statement, police confirmed that a sexual assault took place near the Korte Tuinstraat, which is just off the cafe-lined streets of the Oude Markt and Kapelhof. The incident happened at about 3 a.m. on Saturday. "The victim was very upset and filed a report," police said.

There were no arrests, but police said the perpetrator has a light skin complexion. They would not confirm other details, but people in the neighborhood said a specific man who had been wearing red pants caused concern with his harassing behavior.

They told the regional broadcaster that the incident happened in an unlit alley along a vacant property. They believe the offender specifically chose the location because it was dark there. "Really bizarre," one resident told Omroep Brabant.

"A rape in the middle of the city, while the nightlife crowd is wandering home." The resident was surprised something like this could happen "just a few dozen meters" from people returning home ahead on the eve of the King's Day holiday.

Investigators asked witnesses to come forward, and canvassed the neighborhood searching for clues and more information. Police secured camera footage which may show the suspect fleeing the scene. Investigators are still trying to piece together more details about where he went afterwards.