City orders closure of Rome park at night following rape of Australian woman.

The Colle Oppio park near Rome's Colosseum is to be closed at night following the recent rape and robbery of an Australian woman, city authorities have said.

The decision to close the park at night is in line with the capital's other archaeological parks, according to the city's environment councillor Paola Muraro.

The announcement on 7 October comes days after a 49-year-old Australian was sexually assaulted and robbed on Colle Oppio, a district which in recent years has become synonymous with crime and decay.

Police subsequently arrested the suspected rapist whom they tracked down after studying CCTV footage.

Councillor Muraro has also requested the clearance of all illegal camps on Colle Oppio.

Photo La Repubblica