New Year rapist attacks woman walking her dog

A 44-year-old woman was attacked in Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire while out walking her dog.

A man, with a missing tooth and a lump under his right eye, forced her to the ground in a lane near Oxford Street at around 3am.

There has been an increased police presence in the area as officers reassure members of the community and attempt to gather information on the attack.

Detective Sergeant David McFall from Strathclyde Police said many potential witnesses may have been celebrating New Year at the time of the attack.

He added: "Over the past 72 hours we have carried out a thorough forensic examination at the scene of the crime, and carried out door-to-door inquiries in and around the area of the attack.

"We have had a very positive response from the local community.

"However, it is quite probable that a lot of households were still celebrating the Bells at this time, so there may be people not local to the area that were at a nearby party or indeed going home at this time.

"With this in mind we are hopeful that someone may have unwittingly seen something that could be helpful to the inquiry.

"Thankfully, the nature of the assault is not a common occurrence in the Coatbridge area. However, we appreciate people will naturally be concerned.

"I would like to reassure the community that we are working round the clock to trace the suspect and will not stop until he is brought to justice."

Police described the scene of the attack as a residential area with the lane overlooked by several houses.

The suspect, who made off in the direction of Dundyvan Road, is said to be white, in his late thirties to mid forties and has short, greying hair.

He was wearing a dark jacket, a red T-shirt, blue jeans and trainers.

He has a missing left front tooth and a lump under his right eye.

The victim managed to make her way home after the attack and contacted emergency services. Police and ambulance attended, however she did not require hospital treatment.