Police presence has been increased in the city centre. GETTY IMAGES

Caution is instilled in the Australian Olympic team. The delegation has been informed of an alleged sexual assault suffered by an Australian tourist in Paris. According to the woman’s testimony, who is around twenty years old, she was raped by a group of five men last weekend.

French authorities have launched an investigation and have emphasised that the woman received immediate medical attention. "An investigation has been initiated, and we have CCTV footage and DNA evidence that should help us quickly determine what happened and apprehend those responsible," said a source from the French Ministry of the Interior.

In the meantime, the Australian consulate in Paris and local French authorities are providing support to the victim. Anna Meares, Australia’s chef de mission for the Paris Olympics, has expressed her concern about this dramatic situation. Although there have been no direct threats towards the team members, Meares has advised athletes to exercise caution when leaving the Olympic village area.

Anna Meares, Chef de Mission of Australia. GETTY IMAGES
Anna Meares, Chef de Mission of Australia. GETTY IMAGES

"I have been informed about the horrible nature of the situation. Our thoughts are with the woman involved, and we hope she is receiving the appropriate care and support during this traumatic experience," Meares said on Tuesday morning. “There’s not a lot of detail and information that has come through.”

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working to confirm whether an Australian citizen was involved in the incident. A spokesperson for this government body stated that "The Australian Embassy in Paris is conducting urgent inquiries with French authorities following early reports."

Anna Meares noted that the Australian team members have been thoroughly briefed on safety measures. "We are informing our athletes that there is a high police presence intended to ensure their safety. Although we have not received any comments indicating that our athletes feel unsafe, we are encouraging them to leave the Olympic village in the company of other team members and to wear civilian clothes instead of team uniforms," she explained.

The grey perimeter came into force on Friday 18 July ahead of the Games. GETTY IMAGES
The grey perimeter came into force on Friday 18 July ahead of the Games. GETTY IMAGES

The alleged assault occurred in the early hours of Saturday on Boulevard de Clichy, in a city experiencing a notable increase in tourists due to the upcoming opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, which will take place this Friday.

Security measures have been put in place in Paris ahead of the 33rd modern Olympic Games. Hundreds of police officers are enforcing strict traffic restrictions in the city centre and surrounding areas where the Opening Ceremony will take place. In addition to stricter security checks at the accommodation of most of the athletes, strict security measures are in place throughout the capital.

Access to the banks of the Seine has been restricted as the Opening Ceremony will take place there on the afternoon of 26 July. Navigation on the river will be completely banned for two days to ensure the safety of athletes, officials and world leaders.