Police hunt after sex attack on woman near hospital

A SEX attacker is being hunted by police after a teenager was grabbed and sexually assaulted as she walked near a hospital.

The attack took place yesterday afternoon as the 18-year-old woman walked along a footpath close to St John's Hospital in Livingston. Police said she was subjected to a serious sexual assault and described the incident as "a terrifying ordeal".

They have made an urgent appeal for witnesses.

And hospital chiefs said they would review security to increase safety for nurses going to and from the hospital.

Officers said the woman was walking through the underpass beneath Howden South Road, close to the east entrance of St John's Hospital, at around 4.30pm yesterday when she became aware of a man walking behind her who appeared to be talking on a mobile phone.

She walked through the underpass and onto a footpath that runs parallel to Howden West Road where she was grabbed by the attacker, who stole her mobile phone before subjecting her to a serious sexual assault.

Following the attack, the woman managed to alert a friend who was passing in Howden West Road, and police were called.

The man is described as 20-25 years old, around 5ft 7ins tall, of average build, with short, light brown or blond hair and pale skin.

He was wearing a black waist-length jacket.

Inquiries are under way at the scene of the attack, which has been sealed off, and detectives made an urgent appeal for witnesses.

A police spokesman said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the young victim, and we are anxious to speak to anyone who was in the area of the underpass when the attack happened.

"Anyone who was in the vicinity of Howden Road West at the time, who saw or heard anything suspicious, should contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any other information that can help our inquiries, should also get in touch as a matter of urgency."

Eddie Egan, employee director for NHS Lothian, who is based at St John's, said the hospital was always alert to security and safety issues for nurses, other staff, patients and visitors.

He said there had been an ongoing programme of improving CCTV cameras inside and outside the hospital and there were regular security patrols.

He said: "We are concerned about anyone being attacked in or around St John's. We are content with the security arrangements, but in light of this incident we will have to review them."

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.