Appeal to dog walker for information after rape in park
Police think a dog walker could provide vital information as they hunt a man they believe raped a 14-year-old girl in a town park.
Strathclyde Police have appealed for the dog walker to come forward following the sexual assault at about 20:45 on Wednesday in Paisley.
The girl was walking on the cycle path in Saucelhill Park when she was approached and pushed to the ground.
Her attacker was described as a white teenager, possibly aged around 16.
He was between 5ft 4in and 5ft 7in in height, with a local accent and was wearing a dark, hooded top and denim trousers.
The attacker ran off in the direction of the railway station at Canal Street.
Det Insp Julie Henry said: "This has been a terrifying attack on a teenage girl on her way home.
"She is traumatised by what has happened and it's imperative we trace the man responsible.
"Local people use this park to walk their dogs, go running, cycle and generally use it as a shortcut and I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area or surrounding areas, who may have noticed anything unusual or suspicious, to get in touch.
"Inquiries so far have revealed that someone may have been in the area walking their dog around the time of the attack and I would appeal to this person to get in touch with us.
"It's possible they may have seen the suspect and any information they have could prove crucial to the investigation."
Specialist forensic officers are carrying out a full search of the cycle path and the surrounding areas, CCTV images from several areas are being reviewed, while door-to-door inquiries are under way.
Ch Sup Alan Speirs added: "This type of incident is a rare occurrence in Paisley and I want to assure local people, dog walkers and anyone who uses the park that I am absolutely committed to identifying and arresting the person responsible.
"Significant resources will be used to support the inquiry and local people can be assured of a visible police presence in the area."