Dungeon girl takes first steps on the road to romance

London, Aug 11 : Looks like love is in the air for dungeon girl Elisabeth Fritzl, for she was reportedly spotted sharing romantic walks with a dark-haired man while recovering from her devastating ordeal in the secret cellar.

Elisabeth was held captive as a sex slave for 24 long years by her father Josef, who constantly raped her, and fathered six children with her.

However, off late, the ill-fated woman has been seen with a pony-tailed hunk many times.

They were spotted at the remote villa Elizabeth moved into in the grounds of the Austrian clinic, where she is still undergoing counselling.

"They spend a lot of time talking together," the Daily Star quoted a source as saying.

Her secret walks have fuelled rumours that Elisabeth may be taking her first steps on the road to romance.

Elisabeth's new friend is said to a man of medium build who is 5ft 10in tall, is in his mid to late 30s, and has long, dark hair.

"He doesn't seem to be a doctor as they meet patients inside the hospital. And he doesn't dress like a doctor. He looks more like a heavy metal fan," said a clinic source.

Elisabeth is preparing for her father's trial, which is due to begin next month.

Josef Fritzl is facing multiple rape and false imprisonment charges.

"Elisabeth has never had a normal relationship so she finds it very hard to trust anyone at all, especially men. The people who should have loved her most either abused her or let her down. If anyone deserves some happiness, it's her," said one family source.

ANI