West Lothian sex attack bid: Police hunt man who tried to assault dog walker

Police are hunting a man who appeared from bushes and attempted to sexually assault a woman as she walked through a West Lothian park.

The incident happened in Blaeberry Hill Park, Whitburn, at around 7pm last Friday, when the 47-year-old woman was walking her dog in the direction of Raeburn Crescent.

She was confronted by a man who appeared to come from the bushes next to where she was walking. He approached her from behind and placed his hand over her mouth.

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Following a short struggle the woman broke free and the suspect made off in the direction of Mansewood Crescent. The victim believes the man was waiting for her as she did not hear him on the path beforehand.

Maneswood Crescent, near where the incident took placeManeswood Crescent, near where the incident took place
Maneswood Crescent, near where the incident took place

Police were contacted and officers are now appealing for witnesses.

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The suspect is described as a white man in his 20s or 30s. He is around 5ft 6” with a slim to average build and was wearing a dark hooded top, dark trousers and woollen gloves.

Detective Inspector Paul Batten, of Livingston’s Criminal Investigation Department, said: “This was a frightening and potentially very serious attack.

“We are eager to trace the man responsible as soon as possible. I would ask anyone who was in the Blaeberry Hill Park area of Whitburn on the evening of Friday, November 30, and saw anything suspicious, to get in touch with us.”

“I would also ask anyone who has a CCTV camera in the Blaeberry Hill Park area to contact us and allow officers to view any relevant footage.”

Those with information can contact officers at Livingston CID on 101, quoting incident number 3446 of November 30, or anonymously via Crimstoppers on 0800 555 111.

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