Police hunting rapist warn students not to wear headphone or walk home alone

Thousands of students at Dundee University have been warned not to walk home alone or wearing headphones after an 18-year-old was raped.
A police officer at the scene of the rape in Dundee. Photograph: DC ThomsonA police officer at the scene of the rape in Dundee. Photograph: DC Thomson
A police officer at the scene of the rape in Dundee. Photograph: DC Thomson

The university said its joint appeal with the students’ association had been issued on police advice.

It follows the attack on a woman in West Henderson’s Wynd at 8:15pm on Thursday. The street is used by many students on their way home to halls of residence.

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The male assailant ran off south towards Guthrie Street after other people came to help the victim.

The appeal stated: “We would urge you not to walk home alone if possible. However, if you have no choice, our advice is don’t listen to music through headphones when doing so, and be alert.”

The students’ association also highlighted its free nightbus for those studying in the library or on a night out, which runs from 9pm until late every night.

It also has an arrangement with Tele Taxis for students to be able to pay their fare the following day if they show their student ID to the driver.

A spokesman for Abertay University said: “We have issued safety advice to students and will continue to liaise with Police Scotland.”

Police have appealed for information from anyone driving or walking in the area between 8pm and 8:30pm on Thursday.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Binnie said: “This is an extremely distressing incident for the 18-year-old female victim and she is being supported by family and friends, along with specialist officers.

“This is a horrific crime but I would like to stress that incidents of this nature are very rare and our priority is to identify and find the person responsible.”

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He said the victim had been wearing a distinctive yellow jacket, which he hoped would help people remember if they had seen her.

Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out inquiries in the area.

Binnie said: “I would like to thank the members of the public who came to the assistance of the young woman, which caused the man to run off towards Guthrie Street.

“I would like to reassure the local community that we are doing all we can to find the person responsible.”

The assailant is described as white, around 5ft 7in tall, of medium to heavy build, and with a Scottish accent.

He had short hair and was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top and Adidas tracksuit bottoms.