Hunt for sex attacker after teenage girl raped near castle

Police search for attacker after serious sexual assault near Bothwell Castle.

A teenage girl has been raped in a wooded area in South Lanarkshire.

Police are hunting a sex attacker, believed to be in his 20s, after the serious sexual assault took place near Bothwell Castle.

A girl was with her friends on Wednesday, between the hours of 5.45pm and 7.30pm, before breaking off on her own.

She was then approached by a man, described as white, of slim build and with a shaved head, who subjected her to the serious sexual assault.

He was wearing a red t-shirt and blue shorts and riding a black mountain bike, which had green neon writing on the frame and tyres.

Officers are still gathering CCTV footage and have asked anyone with information to come forward.

Detective inspector David Lamont said: “I am appealing to members of the public who may have been in the area around the relevant time on Wednesday night to think back and consider if they saw this man.

“The bike was fairly distinctive in colour so you may remember seeing it. If you have any information regarding the incident, the suspect or the bike, please pass your information on.

“Any small detail could prove vital as we piece together the circumstances of what has happened.”

He continued: “I’m aware that local people will be concerned by this incident and I would like to assure them that additional patrols are in the area to offer reassurance and anyone with concerns can approach these officers.”

If you have any information on the incident contact police on 101.

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