POLICE are investigating the alleged rape of a British tourist on a popular Algarve holiday beach.

       The woman, 21, told cops the attack took place on the sand by a walkway at Praia da Rocha beach after she was separated from her friends.

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       The attack happened on the sandy beaches of Praia da Rocha Credit: Getty 2

       It's a British holiday hot spot on the picturesque Portugal coast Credit: Getty

       Police were alerted around 5am this morning by the alleged rape victim who contacted them at a tourist assistance office near the beach.

       A police source said: “She said she had been the victim of a rape on one of the walkways on the beach at the bottom of the cliffs at Praia da Rocha.

       "She described the attacker as a thin man with an African complexion, who spoke French and was about 5ft 9ins and wore a white scarf on his head.

       “She said he also stole a black bag, where she had her mobile phone and passport.”

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       Another source said: "She told police the individual approached her on the access stairs to the walkway and then when she was already on the walkway, took advantage of the distance she was from from her friends, pulled her into some bushes and in 10 minutes raped her."

       Portuguese media, citing police sources, said a suspect whose nationality is not yet known has been identified.

       It was not immediately clear if any arrests have been made.

       Portugal’s Policia Judiciaria police force has now taken charge of the case, but have not made an official comment.

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       The Rolling Loud Festival, which attracts many British visitors, kicked off on Praia da Rocha beach today and is due to last until Friday.

       The festival comes close on the back of another music festival popular with British visitors called Afro National Portugal, which was held from June 28 to 30.

       It is not known if the woman who has contacted police, or the suspect said to have been identified by officers, had travelled to the area to attend either of the music festivals.