Appeal after girl, 13, raped in Cambuslang park

Police are appealing for information. Picture: TSPL

• Police Scotland issue appeal for information after girl, 13, is raped in park in Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire

• Schoolgirl had walked through Greenlees Park after being out with friends on Thursday June 6

The 13-year-old victim was dragged to the ground before being subjected to the terrifying ordeal in Greenlees Park, Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire.

The schoolgirl, who was alone at the time, believed the attacker had been walking behind her prior to the assault.

The incident took place last month, on Thursday, 6 June, at around 9pm.

Police Scotland said the girl had been out with her friends and had been making her way home along Greenlees Road, towards Greenlees Park.

It was as she walked through the park that a man pulled her to the ground and subjected her to the serious sexual assault, officers said.

The force has sent extra officers to the area and has asked anyone with concerns to speak to them.

The suspect is described as white and with a local accent. He is more than 6ft tall with a skinny build and a large nose, with short, dark, greying hair.

At the time of the attack he was wearing a grey T-shirt and blue jeans.

Inquiries are being carried out by the Rape Investigation Unit to identify the man and officers are supporting the victim and her family.

Officers have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Drew Ferguson said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the girl and we are carrying out extensive inquiries including viewing all available CCTV and going door-to-door.

“I would like to reassure the public that we are deploying extra officers in the area and would ask anyone who has any concerns to speak directly to them.

“Greenlees Park is normally quite busy at this time of the evening and I would ask anyone who was in the park on 6 June around 9pm to contact me.

“I would like to speak to dog walkers who were in the park or anyone who may have seen or heard anything out of the ordinary, or remembers seeing a man who matches the description.”

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Livingstone said the suspect is thought to have been aged between 40 and 50 and may have been injured as a result of the victim putting up a fight.

He said: “She did put up a struggle, she was screaming and shouting for help. It’s possible that she’s injured this man.

“If anybody out there knows of a man matching this description and who has all of a sudden got fresh injuries on or after 6 June this year, please phone us.”

The DCI pointed out that the attack happened the night before Scotland played Croatia in the World Cup qualifiers, hoping that piece of information may help to trigger people’s memories.

He also appealed to a group of youths, whom the victim passed by shortly before she was attacked, to get in touch.

They had been standing outside a block of flats on Cruachan Road.