Police: 5 Afghans suspected of harassing women in Austria

VIENNA – Austrian police say they have identified five Afghan asylum-seekers suspected of being part of a group that sexually harassed women at a weekend festival.

A police statement says four are juveniles aged 15 and 16 and the fifth is 21.

Monday’s statement says six women reported being groped and otherwise harassed on Saturday while attending a crowded wine festival in the town of Wels, about 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of Vienna.

Police are looking for two more suspects.

A spate of assaults on women in the German city of Cologne early this year that was blamed largely on foreigners has sharpened Europe-wide debate between those opposing migrants and others who warn they are unfairly profiled.

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