Teenage girl sexually assaulted by masked man on footpath in Uphall, West Lothian

A teenage girl has been sexually assaulted by a masked man in an early morning attack in West Lothian.

The 15-year-old was walking along a footpath between Middleton Avenue and Loaninghill Road in Uphall when she was approached by the man at around 8.15am on Tuesday.

The man, described as white, wearing a mask and hooded jumper, and carrying a multi-coloured rucksack, assaulted the schoolgirl before making off.

Police are now looking to trace the suspect, who was also wearing dark trousers, and have appealed for witnesses.

Detective Inspector Stephen Wood, of Livingston Police Station, said: “Although the girl did not require medical treatment, she was left very shaken by what happened.

“Since the incident, officers have been carrying out enquiries in the surrounding area, including checking CCTV and speaking to local residents.

“If you were in the area at the time, please think back and get in touch with us if you have any information which may be able to assist our investigation.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who has private CCTV, doorbell camera footage, or motorists with dash cam footage.

“This footage could prove very useful to our enquiry.

“I am also appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, or a man matching this description, to come forward.”