on New Year's Day saying: "Exuberant atmosphere, celebrations mostly peaceful."

GETTY Cologne attackers struck because they wanted to make a point - professor suggests

The claim was branded "a lie" as the show said 1,100 reports of crime were registered that evening, 500 for sexual offences. Seattle-based victim Caitlin described the horrific experience she endured as she was groped under her jacket, between her legs, and pulled back by her hair. The woman said she begged two policemen for help after escaping the gang at around 11pm. Women's rights activist Alice Schwarzer said: "The perpetrators have been doing this since 6 pm, but were not put in their place. “They apparently wanted to show the 'sluts' that they should not be on the streets at night." Experts accused the policeof the biggest failings.

Cologne: Sex Attacks and Robberies Tue, January 12, 2016 Thirty-one suspects, including 18 asylum seekers, are under investigation over offences including sexual assault and theft in Cologne on New Year's Eve. Far right protestors in Lepzig have rallied against refugees and German chancellor Angela Merkel. Play slideshow Reuters•Getty 1 of 22 Protestors in Lepzig rally after over 100 women were sexually assualted on New Year's Eve

GETTY Professor and historian Jörg Baberowski said attackers pre-planned sex assaults