Woodland prowler targets third woman
Police step up patrols after incident near sports hub
A third woman has been targeted by a creep in a community woodland in just five weeks.
The latest incident in a spate of attacks happened yesterday morning near to the ON-X Sports Centre in Linwood.
Police are investigating a string of sinister incidents in the woods.
The latest came yesterday when the prowler popped out of bushes in front of a 57-year-old woman as she walked her dog early in the morning.
It is understood he tried to beckon the pet to him but the worried woman was able to get the dog back on the lead and leave the area unharmed.
The suspect is described as male, slim, 5ft 8ins, with dark, bushy hair and was wearing a bottle green hoody with gold writing and blue jeans.
A series of incidents at the Linwood Moss area close to the sports centre have led to a huge police operation to trace the suspect in recent weeks..
As reported in the Paisley Daily Express on Friday, special selfdefence classes have now been organised at kids’ club gym for young girls.
Incidents in the area have included:
A 52-year-old dog walker being battered by a man in Linwood Moss on Monday, April 16, around 4pm.
The thug struck up a conversation with her before launching an unprovoked attack
Just five days later, a 14-year-old girl was subjected to a sickening sex attack in woodland close to the ON-X Sports Centre.
She became separated from her friends around 9.45pm on Saturday, April 21, when she was assaulted.
And officers swarmed to the area after reports a man had jumped out of bushes in front of another woman dog walker, aged 50, near Moss Road on Wednesday, May 9.
Extra patrols, including mounted officers, will continue, police say.
Inspector Cassie Glass, from Johnstone’s community policing team, said: “We are investigating reports of a man acting suspiciously near the ON-X Sports Centre.
“The man approached a 57- year- old woman while she walked her dog at around 7am yesterday. Although no criminality has been established at this stage, we are very keen to trace the male involved.
“There have been a number of similar incidents in the area in recent weeks, which is concerning. However, I would like to reassure the public that we are deploying a number of resources to the area, including extra patrols.
“We do not want to cause undue alarm or concern in the community, however it is important that we locate this male.
“The answer to his identity lies within the community.”
Inspector Glass also urged members of the community to raise the alarm immediately if they see anyone in the area they have concerns over.
“It is important that anyone observing a male acting suspiciously in this area contact the police right away so we can get there as quickly as possible,” she added.
“Please do not hesitate to contact the police on 999.”
If you have any information at all, you should phone police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously.