British Woman 'Jumps From Balcony' In Agra, India, To Escape 'Rape Attack'

British Woman 'Jumps From Balcony' In Agra, India, To Escape 'Rape Attack'

A British woman has reportedly jumped from a hotel balcony in India in order to escape a rape attack.

According to the Scottish Daily Record, the 25-year-old is in a serious condition.

She is believed to be in the city of Agra, close to the Taj Mahal, and to have jumped after a man forced his way into her room.

She was apparently taken to hospital with head injuries and fractures to both legs.

Police official Manish Sisodia said the tourist jumped from a room on the third floor.

A Foreign Office spokesman said in a statement: "We are aware of the reports and we are urgently looking into it.

"We are in contact with our colleagues in India."

She was attacked and gang raped in front of her husband, who had been tied to a tree the Associated Press reported.

Violence against women is the hottest political topic in the country, with lawmakers under pressure over the last six months to crack down on gang rapes and killings.

The repeated rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi led to furious protests on the streets of Indian cities, with millions of campaigners accusing the government of not doing enough to tackle the danger.

Earlier this week, the 'ringleader' of the men accused of attacking the student is reported to have killed himself in prison. His family insist he was murdered.

The Foreign Office (FCO) urges women to "exercise caution" in India, even when travelling as part of a group.

Advice on its website states: "Reported cases of sexual assault against women and young girls are increasing; recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas and cities show that foreign women are also at risk.

"British women have been the victims of sexual assault in Goa, Delhi, Bangalore and Rajasthan and women travellers often receive unwanted attention in the form of verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men."

Women travelling through the country are advised to respect local dress codes and customs and avoid visiting isolated areas, including beaches, alone, at any time of day.

The FCO also warns women against travelling alone on public transport, in taxis or auto-rickshaws, especially at night.

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