'Traumatised' sex attack victim found by taxi driver

A TEENAGE girl who was sexually assaulted by a man she met outside a cricket club dance was found "traumatised" at a roadside by the taxi driver who had driven her friends home.

The 17-year-old had become separated from her friends after leaving the function at Fauldhouse Cricket Club in West Lothian as they sought a cab home.

Detectives said the teenager was "befriended" by a man in his early twenties outside the club who walked her half a kilometre along the road before launching a "terrible" sex attack in a lay-by. Afterwards, the distraught girl was found by the taxi driver who had given her friends a lift and driven to Whitburn police station.

Police are now checking CCTV footage from the cricket club to try and determine whether the suspect was also attending the party, or was simply passing by.

The attack took place some time after 1.50am on Saturday on the B7010 Fauldhouse to Lanrigg Road, just outside of Fauldhouse.

Detective Inspector Phil Gachagan, who is leading the inquiry from Livingston CID, said: "The girl was at the cricket club with friends and they left the function after 1am to try and get a taxi home. She became separated from them and after being unable to get a taxi, she started walking.

"She had been befriended by the suspect somewhere beside the venue and she walked with him. At a lay-by about 400 metres along this dark back road, he has launched an attack.

"The suspect left her deeply traumatised and shocked and she's been found by the taxi driver making the return journey from dropping her friends off."

The suspect is described as between 5ft 10in and 6ft, of medium or athletic build and with a prominent pointed nose. He was wearing a dark-coloured hoodie, tracksuit bottoms with two stripes down each leg and may also have been wearing a hat.

DI Gachagan said: "The suspect has a local accent and we believe he is probably from the area. It seems unlikely that someone not from the area would be walking in Fauldhouse in the early hours.

"The victim has suffered a terrible experience and she is now being supported by her parents.

"We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area on Friday night, and who may have seen anything unusual, to come forward."

Anyone with any information can contact police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and anonymity on 0800-555 111.