Police are investigating after a report of a 14-year-old girl being sexually assaulted in an East Dunbartonshire park.
The attack on the child took place on Saturday night in the Merkland Nature Reserve in Kirkintilloch.
Police said they are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry into the incident and anyone who may be able to help is urged to get in touch.
The previous week, on Friday, April 30, a woman was sexually assaulted on the canal footpath in the town. Police said that there is currently no evidence to suggest the two attacks are linked but that investigators are keeping open minds.
Police ScotlandA Police Scotland spokesperson told STV News: “We are exploring various possibilities as part of the ongoing investigation.”
The April 30 attack happened between 11pm and 11.20pm when a 20-year-old woman was walking on the north canal path between Hillhead Road and Canal Street.
She spotted a man walking towards her who briefly spoke to her before grabbing her and sexually assaulting her. The attacker is described as white with a Glaswegian accent, short brown or dark hair, 5ft 9ins to 6ft tall, aged in his 20s or 30s and of slim build. He was wearing a dark-coloured hoodie with the hood up and joggers.
A spokesperson for the force said: “An investigation is under way after a report that a 14-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at Merkland Nature Reserve on the evening of Saturday, May 8, 2021.
“We are currently gathering as much information as we can about this incident and are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry as part of this.
“We want to thank the community for their assistance so far. Anyone who may be able to help us is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 1343 of May 9, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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