Man arrested over attack on Perth woman in Argentina

Updated

December 31, 2011 15:27:49


Emma Kelly
Photo:
Emma Kelly spent almost four days lost in a forested area of Patagonia. (Supplied: Geoff Westlake)

Police in Argentina say they have arrested a 30-year-old man in relation to an attack on a 23-year-old woman from Perth.

Emma Kelly was reported missing on Boxing Day after failing to return from a hike in the mountain area of Cajon Del Azul, in the Patagonia region of southern Argentina.

She was found four days later, disoriented and dehydrated.

She told police a man had struck her on the head with a rock and choked her until she passed out. He then took her shoes and shirt.

Police say a local man has been taken into custody and they have seized evidence linking him to the attack.

They say investigations are continuing.

The woman’s parents flew out from Perth last night to be reunited with her.

Ms Kelly had reportedly been staying at a friend’s house in the town of El Bolson and on Monday had been driven to an easy hiking trail nearby.

When she did not return later that day, the friend’s family phoned police who launched a search.

Yesterday the Kelly family said they were elated to hear she had been found.

“She was shaken up but through the conversation she was bubbly and making jokes,” her twin brother Steve Kelly said after Emma spoke to him from hospital.

“She became very relaxed and very happy when mum and dad were on the phone and very excited.

“Physically she’s doing well. She’s got a few cuts and bruises on her legs, but all will heal.

“They had a volunteer aircraft, they had helicopters, border patrol, they had everyone, and we thank everyone who was involved.”

Topics:
assault,
argentina,
perth-6000

First posted

December 31, 2011 15:10:44

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