Woman attacked by man while walking with her child

A woman has been attacked while walking with her child in North Lanarkshire.

The 23-year-old was assaulted by the man at the corner of Mansfield Road in Bellshill at around 1pm on Friday.

Police say the victim has been left extremely distressed by what they believe was a random attack.

Officers are now looking to trace the man responsible, described as being in his late teens or early 20s, and have appealed for witnesses.

The suspect, who ran off in the direction of Hamilton Road, was wearing a grey top and dark jeans.

Detective constable Sean O’Farrell, from Lanarkshire CID, said: “This appears to have been a random assault in broad daylight, and although the woman was not seriously hurt, she has been left extremely distressed by what happened.

“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and it is vital that we trace the despicable individual responsible.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area around 1pm on Friday and may have noticed a man approach a woman and child, or anything at all suspicious, to please get in touch.

“Additional patrols will be in the area to provide reassurance to members of the public and I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to them.”