Students intervene as woman, 18, is assaulted in Glasgow

AN 18-year-old woman was seriously assaulted by a man attempting to steal her handbag early yesterday.

The woman, 18, was taken to hospital after the attack at about 3.50am following a night out in Glasgow city centre.

Police said the attack was interrupted by a group of students who came to her aid in Portland Street.

Detective Inspector Fil Capaldi said: "Fortunately the victim has been discharged from hospital, however, had it not been for the brave actions of those members of the public things could have been a lot worse. I would commend them for their actions.

"It would appear that the motive for the assault was to rob the woman of her handbag and a significant level of violence was used."

The victim was walking on George Street when the man approached her near to John Street and tried to talk to her. He walked with her until Portland St, where he forced her to the ground and seriously assaulted her.

The suspect is described as a white male, about 5ft 9in tall and 24 years old, of slim build, with dark brown hair shaven at the sides and longer on top. He was wearing a blue hooded top and jogging bottoms.

Police said he was clean shaven and spoke with a "rough west of Scotland accent". He may have injured his hand in the struggle.