No further action in Dundee sex attack probe

POLICE in Dundee today announced they are to take no further action in relation to an alleged sex attack on a teenage schoolgirl in the city.

A major investigation was launched by the Tayside Division of Police Scotland last week after a 14 year-old girl claimed she had been the victim of a sexual assault in the Menzieshill area of the city on Thursday 25 April.

Police issued a description of an “unkempt” man they were keen to trace in relation to the alleged assault.

But today a spokesman for the force said officers would be taking no further action in relation to the incident, alleged to have taken place in the Tweed Crescent and Yarrow Terrace area, near Menzieshill High School.

The spokesman said: “A thorough investigation has been undertaken in the area, with a number of people spoken to, door to door and CCTV enquiries being carried out and a full forensic examination completed in the area. Tayside Division is no longer seeking to speak with anyone in connection with the enquiry.”

He added: “On receiving a complaint, officers will always carry out the appropriate enquiries to establish the full circumstances. This will include a witness appeal, outlining the nature of the complaint which may, understandably, give rise to community concerns. But those concerns will not prevent us from seeking the public’s assistance.”

Chief Inspector Shaun McKillop said: ‘‘As well as establishing the full circumstances of any complaint, Police Scotland and its partners also have a duty of care towards the community it serves and the more vulnerable members of the community in particular. That is our priority now.

‘‘We hope that the people of Dundee are reassured that, following a meticulous enquiry, there is no requirement for any further action from the police. We have maintained an increase visible presence in the Menzieshill area since Thursday and this will continue for the time being.”

He added: “‘We fully appreciate the anxiety that publicity around serious complaints of this type can create and I hope that residents will take the opportunity to speak with our officers and let them know about any concerns they have.’’