Young woman sexually attacked by intruder who broke into her Perth house

By FRANK URQUHART
Published on 17/10/2012 16:12

A YOUNG woman has been sexually attacked after being threatened with violence by an intruder who entered her home as she lay sleeping.

And Tayside detectives investigating the woman’s terrifying ordeal on Monday night are looking at the possibility that it may be linked to a robbery the previous night in which another woman was attacked in her own home.

A spokesman for the force said that the 23 year-old victim of Monday night’s attack had been asleep in her home in Potterhill Gardens in Perth when she was woken by an intruder who threatened her with violence before sexually assaulting her.

He said: “The incident happened at around midnight on Monday. The man responsible was wearing a navy coloured scarf, a dark coloured beanie hat, a grey jumper, and khaki green waterproof trousers with a black belt. He was also wearing khaki green boots and spoke with an English accent.

“Officers are currently carrying out enquiries in the area and a thorough forensic examination of the house where the incident took place is also underway.”

Acting Detective Inspector Marc Lorente, who is heading the manhunt, said: “‘This has been a particularly distressing incident for the woman involved. We have a number of officers dedicated to this enquiry and I would urge anyone who might be able to identify the man responsible or anyone who saw someone matching that description in the area, to get in touch with us.

“This attack follows on from a robbery nearby the previous night where a woman was attacked within her own home. I would urge any residents who have been aware of any males acting suspiciously around the area or have been victims of crimes in the area recently and who have not come forward to do so.

“As well as a significant enquiry team working on this case dedicated additional uniformed officers are also patrolling in the area.”

The force spokesman said: “Anyone who recognises the description of the man, or anyone who has any information that may assist officers with their enquiries, should get in touch with Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222.”