135 police officers hunting man in 'vicious sexual assault' case

More than 130 police officers have been tasked with finding the man who carried out a "vicious sexual assault" that left a young woman "injured and traumatised".

Following the daylight attack on a 22-year-old woman near to shops on Aberdeen's Bedford Avenue police have been reviewing thousands of hours of CCTV footage and have interviewed more than 300 local householders.

Police have also issued a map of the route taken by the victim prior to the attack.

Between 6am and 7.30am on Saturday the woman walked along Union Terrace, past the theatre and left onto Blackfriars Street. She then travelled along St Andrews Street before turning left and walking right along George Street.

The woman then went right into Bedford Road before moving onto Bedford Avenue where the attack happened.

She is described as being 5ft 6ins tall and of a slight built, was wearing a dark jacket and dark jeans at the time of the attack and police are appealing for anyone who may have seen her on Saturday to come forward immediately.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Dunn, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is one of the biggest investigations we have faced in Grampian in recent years and the number of staff we have devoted to the enquiry is a clear illustration of our determination to bring the person responsible to justice.

"This type of crime is unusual in Aberdeen and the public should be assured that the additional police patrols of the area will continue.

"I would also like to thank the public for the considerable response we've had since we issued our public appeal. I am grateful to those people who have come forward already and they should be assured that the enquiry team are busy following up several leads as a result of that information.

"I would strongly urge people not to hold back in reporting any information they may have, no matter how small they feel it is. Please let us make an assessment of its importance, it may be that you hold a crucial missing piece of information for the investigation."

The male responsible for the attack is described as around 30 years of age, white, around 6ft tall, of medium build, with an unkempt appearance.

He was also wearing a black hooded top, a red, white and blue scarf, and grey or black hiking boots with thick laces.

The woman was wearing a black-and-white woollen hat and was arrying a green and blue handbag with distinctive tan straps.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


View Aberdeen rape route in a larger map

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