Two teenagers have been charged and another has been arrested after a Cairns woman was allegedly sexually assaulted while her partner was held at knifepoint.
Detective Inspector Kevin Goan said three teenage boys allegedly broke into a home in Manunda about 3.30am today while the couple, aged in their 30s, were asleep inside.
“While one male offender has detained the male occupant in the house, two others have escorted the female occupant at knifepoint to an outside area where she has been sexually assaulted,” Goan told reporters this afternoon.
Goan said it was one of the most abhorrent alleged acts committed during a break-and-enter during his time as a detective.
“Our victims will live with this [alleged] experience for the rest of their lives and our hearts do go out to them for what they have had to live through,” he said.
The three teens allegedly ran from the scene.
Police were called and, with help from the dog squad, located and arrested a 15-year-old and 16-year-old boy at the nearby McCormack Street about an hour later.
The pair were questioned by police before being charged with 11 offences each, including five counts of rape and two counts each of armed robbery and deprivation of liberty, one count each of enter dwelling, and entering a dwelling with intent whilst armed in company.
Police said a second 15-year-old boy was arrested at a home in Manunda this afternoon.
Goan said the group are believed to be involved in other break-ins around the area.
A crime scene has been declared and investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information or dash cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
