Woman indecently assaulted in Glasgow city centre

A WOMAN was indecently assaulted in a city centre as she was walking home from work.

The 35-year-old was subjected to an indecent assault after she was grabbed from behind by a man on Blackfriars Street in the Merchant City area of Glasgow at around 6.15pm yesterday.

Strathclyde Police said they think the man may have been following the woman as she left her workplace in the city centre.

Officers are checking CCTV and carrying out door-to-door inquiries as well as providing additional foot patrols in the area.

The man is described as being of Mediterranean appearance, in his mid-40s, around 5ft 9in, with very short dark hair.

He was wearing a dark wool jacket and smart black trousers and shoes. After the attack he made off towards High Street.

Police said the woman was left extremely distressed but did not need medical treatment.

At the time of the attack, the Celtic Connections Torchlight procession was taking place and the shops were open late.

Detective Inspector Andy McWilliam said it was possible someone may have noticed something suspicious.

He said: "At the time of this incident, many people will have been making their way home from work and someone may have seen the man following the woman and thought nothing of it.

"If you were in the vicinity of this area last night, please do get in touch with us, you could hold a vital piece of information which could help us trace this suspect.

"I would like to reassure local people who may have concerns that there is a heightened police presence in the area and officers are there, not only to help gather information, but also to provide reassurance to any concerned local residents.

"We will continue to monitor and check CCTV along the route in our efforts to trace this man and we appeal to anyone who has information to contact us."