Lecce police investigate dual sexual assaults of Spanish tourist

A 19-year-old Spanish tourist has reported being sexually assaulted twice within a 24-hour period while vacationing in the Salento region of Italy. The incidents occurred between August 22 and August 23 near Lecce.

According to the reports, the first assault allegedly took place after the woman accepted an invitation from a taxi driver to visit his home to escape the heat while waiting for a friend in Torre Rinalda. The second assault reportedly occurred later that evening after the woman sought assistance from a local bar owner due to a lack of public transportation. The bar owner introduced her to an acquaintance who offered her a place to stay for the night, where the second incident allegedly occurred.

The victim was hospitalized with injuries consistent with her account. Local police have launched an investigation into the two suspects, identified as a taxi driver and an acquaintance of a local bar owner.