Pakistani arrested in Rome for attempted rape

Rome, Jan 22 (IANS/AKI) A 31-year-old Pakistani man who allegedly tried to rape a Finnish tourist in a restaurant toilet near Rome's central railway station, fracturing her nose and jaw in the attack, has been arrested.

Il Messaggero newspaper reported Friday that the attack took place on Wednesday evening when the Pakistani was said to have followed the 40-year-old tourist into the toilet with his trousers lowered.

When the woman began to call for help and tried to fend him off, the man punched her in the face, put his hand over her mouth and tried to undo her jeans, according to investigators.

The man then stole 50 euros from the woman's purse and turned his attention to her friend who had come to her aid.

Waiters in the restaurant tried to intervene but the Pakistani picked up a serrated knife from a counter and attempted to stab the waiters with it, police said, citing witnesses.

Police called to the restaurant managed to overpower the man, who faces charges of grievous bodily harm, attempted rape, assault and theft.

The Finnish tourist was taken Rome's St Eugenio hospital's emergency room, where doctors said her injuries would heal in 30 days.

--IANS/AKI

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