Appeal to community in Fife as police hunt rapist of woman, 83

Police hunting a man who raped an 83-year-old woman in her own home believe the local community may hold the answers they need.

A week after the terrifying incident in Glenrothes, officers have called on the public to pass on any shred of information.

Extensive inquiries are still ongoing into the serious sexual assault in Meldrum Court, in the Collydean area of the town, at 5am on June 25, which left the victim distraught but not physically hurt.

A 36-year-old man arrested last Friday was released without charge and eliminated from the investigation. No other arrest has been made since.

Specialist officers have been brought in to assist local police and people have again been warned to ensure their homes are secure.

Detective Chief Inspector John Anderson of Fife CID urged anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack to rack their brains and report anything that might be useful to their probe.

“Seven days have now passed and our investigation continues, with significant resources, to work to identify the person responsible for this horrendous incident,” he said.

“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and support while this work continues.

“I urge you to remain vigilant, make sure your home is as secure as possible and report anything that may aid our inquiry as promptly as possible.

“The solution to this investigation may well be in the local community in the Collydean area of Glenrothes.

“You may have been walking your dog or driving to or from work at that time of the morning or know someone who was.

“You may have seen something you thought was insignificant at the time; it could be of aid to our investigation.

“Please pass on any information, no matter how small it seems.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident 0647 of 25 June, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.