TWO British women were subjected to a horrific gang rape on a tropical holiday island

TWO British women were subjected to a horrific gang rape on a tropical holiday island it emerged today.
The women, aged in their 30s, were camping on an idyllic beach on the Caribbean island of St Lucia when the attack took place.

They were reportedly ambushed by a group of six masked men as they packed their belongings to move camp for the night.

The terrifying assault happened shortly before midnight on Tuesday May 10, at the isolated Grande Anse Beach on the island's north east coast.

The gang ran away when they noticed the headlights of an approaching car.

Cops were questioning six men over the attack today.

The female pals were apparently enjoying an environmental expedition on the far-flung tropical island and had been staying at the remote spot since the previous night.

It is believed that they had felt worried after returning to their campsite on Tuesday evening to find that someone had ransacked through their belongings.

It is not clear if anything had been stolen.

Police say the women started packing up when they were ambushed by the gang.

Both women were raped.

The island's Rape Crisis Centre has issued safety warnings and is advising women to be extra vigilant especially when visiting the beaches after dark.

The British High Commission in St Lucia has reportedly sent its sympathies to the victims, while expressing concern that local police had failed to alert them to the alleged attack.

British High Commissioner Karl Burrows described the incident as a "dreadful crime", adding: "We are in touch with the St Lucia police force and they are confident of a successful outcome."

Mr Burrows said that such violent attacks on tourists were rare in St Lucia, a popular holiday destination for families and honeymooning couples.

He said: " As far as all crimes are concerned, we obviously have a particular responsibility for British nationals in St Lucia.

"To put it into context, we have about 75,000 British visitors to St Lucia each year and the vast majority of visits are incident free.

"Our advice to British nationals is that common sense rules apply.

"There is crime as there is everywhere but St Lucia is a friendly and welcoming country.

"Overall crime rates are low but common sense rules do apply. We advise against being in isolated areas after dark."

Grande Anse is St Lucia's most secluded beach, known for its rougher waters and unspoilt, rugged coastline.

It is a popular spot for turtle watching, attracting organised daytime tours and smaller groups of explorers and nature-lovers.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "We can confirm an incident involving two British nationals in St Lucia. We have offered consular assistance."

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