A teenage girl was raped in a car park by a stranger after leaving a pub in Dundee.
The 16-year-old was attacked in the Cowgate area between 1am and 1.30am on Sunday before being helped by a member of the public.
The teenager had been socialising in the area with a friend before leaving a nearby pub to organise their transport home.
While outside, they were approached by a man unknown to them.
The victim’s friend left to travel home before the man led the girl to a small car park, where he raped her.
He left the scene, and the teenager began walking into the city centre, where she was found distressed and helped by a member of the public.
Two police officers on patrol were then approached for help, and an investigation was launched. The car park was cordoned off, and forensic examinations were carried out at the scene.
Investigations so far have found that the area was busy at the time with pedestrians and vehicles.
STV NewsDetectives believe the man could have been local to the area, having arrived and left on foot. No indication has been given of what accent he had.
A dedicated team have been carrying out CCTV and door-to-door investigations and are particularly keen to speak to people who were in the area at the time and may have walked past the car park.
Detective inspector Graeme Wishart has urged anyone who may have been walking past the area and seen something unusual to get in touch.
He described the incident as a “stranger to her by chance meeting”.
“It’s concerning for the community,” DI Wishart told STV News.
“We do believe this to be an isolated incident. For reassurance, there will be extra patrols. We are doing all what we can to identify this man.
“It’s a very concerning incident. He’s a dangerous man if he’s going to commit this crime against a lone, vulnerable female.”
Chief inspector Colin Echevarria said: “This has a huge, significant impact on a local community and visitors; it is a rare incident.
“I want to reassure the community that they are safe in Dundee city centre. Our patrols will be around.
“It’s about looking after friends, staying with one another, communicating and making sure you’ve got a charged mobile phones.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0335 of November 10, 2024.
“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”
The suspect is described as being white, around 20-years-old, of slim build and average height.
He was wearing a beige/khaki jacket, a black t-shirt, dark trousers and light brown boots.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
