A serious and highly sensitive case involving aggravated sexual assault against two little girls in Asker continued to unfold this week, but police seemed frustrated in their search for the alleged offender.
The young victims, both said to be pre-schoolers, are believed to have been attacked in a forest area behind the apartment complex where they live at Borgen in Asker, a suburban area west of Oslo, on late Friday afternoon.
Because of their young age, both police and prosecutors have had to conduct what they call “extremely careful and considerate” questioning of the girls. A judicial review concluded Wednesday that they were subjected to aggravated sexual assault but police would reveal no further details.
Police have also undertaken door-to-door questioning of area residents in the hopes of obtaining more tips or any observations that could help lead to the assailant. Local newspaper Budstikka has reported that residents of the area, which is home to many families with small children, are anxious and uncertain whether they can let their children play outdoors unattended anymore.
“It’s now most important to care for the needs of the children, and for the police to identify the offender,” Terje Korneliussen, an attorney appointed to represent the victims’ families, told news bureau NTB. “A lot of families live in this area and everyone is very worried.”
newsinenglish.no staff
