DOG WALKER’S ATTACK ORDEAL

Be vigilant message after early-morning assault

A woman who was attacked from behind while walking her dogs just outside Crieff has spoken of her ordeal in a bid to encourage others to be vigilant.

Police Scotland officers are continuing to investigate the distressing incident which occurred on Drummond Estate on January 31.

Fortunately, the early-morning assault was interrupted but the victim has warned walkers to be wary.

The 54 year-old told the Herald: “I was taking the dogs out for their morning walk at 7.15am. It was dark.

“I turned around because I heard footsteps coming up the road. It looked like a jogger with a headlamp on but, as they got up to me, there was a sharp thud on my shoulder blades and I was pushed to the ground.”

“I was really winded and the person sat astride me and pinned me with their knees while they pushed my head into the ground with their hand.

“I’ve always thought that I would fight back if faced with such a situation but when it came to it I got such a shock I couldn’t even

scream.

“The person didn’t speak.”

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, went on to say a passing vehicle frightened off her assailant.

She continued: “I don’t know what would have happened if the car hadn’t appeared when it did. It doesn’t bear thinking about.

“Unfortunately, my two dogs weren’t much help. The older one is deaf and was lagging behind and the young one thought it was a game.

“I was shaken at the time.

“Now I am more annoyed and I would hate for this to happen to anyone else.”

The woman continued by warning others to be vigilant when out alone.

She added: “Please stay safe when out walking in the dark. Take someone with you.

“Our cottages are quite remote so did the person jog here or was their car parked somewhere nearby?

“We have a super neighbourhood watch set up here now and have put in extra surveillance and safety measures.”

The attack happened at the rear access road to Drummond Castle.

Anyone who saw a runner with a head torch on January 31, or a car parked in the vicinity of the unnamed road between Strowan and Ochtermuthill, is encouraged to contact Police Scotland.

A spokesperson for the nationwide force said: “Police Scotland is appealing for information about an incident which happened in Crieff on Friday, January 31.

“About 7.20am, a woman was walking her dogs through the grounds of Drummond Castle Gardens, when she was allegedly assaulted and knocked to the ground by a man who had approached her from behind.

“He is described as about 5’10’’, broad shouldered, and had a head torch. Fortunately she was not injured.

“Although dark at the time, the castle grounds are extensively used by runners and dog walkers.

“The incident happened on the rear access road, about 50 yards from a fork in the path, and near to a set of electric access gates.

“If you were in the area and were aware of a man, possibly a runner, matching this description or acting suspiciously, please let us know.

“If you have any information that could assist our investigation, please call 101 or speak with any police officer.

“Also, information can be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Our reference is incident 0635 of January 31.”