Dundee park sealed off following sexual assault

Investigations continue as residents report loud noises in area on Thursday night

Police are hunting for clues following a sexual assault at Baxter Park in Dundee. The park was sealed off as detectives investigated the reported assault of a woman in the popular park at around 10.30 -11pm on Thursday night. Detective Inspector Gavin McKinlay said: “Our inquiries are at an early stage, but I would appeal to anyone who was in this area who saw or heard anything which may be of interest to call us on 101 or speak with any police officer. “There will be a continued police presence in the park while we carry out our inquiries.” Several police vehicles were on the scene, while forensic officers combed the area. A large patch opposite Arbroath Road, stretching almost the full width of the park, was sealed off yesterday. Local residents reported hearing a lot of noise in the Stobswell area on Thursday night. An elderly Baxter Park Terrace resident, who declined to give her name, said: “There were quite a few teenagers in the park in the evening. “There is always noise and screaming, which doesn’t bother me as such, but you just never know whether they’re carrying on or if someone is screaming because they need help. “I never walk in that park on my own after dark because there are all kinds of people in there at night.” Another resident on nearby Baldovan Terrace said: “I don’t know if it’s related, but there seemed to be a lot going on outside on Thursday night. “There was loud music and what sounded like a party nearby, then a load of people went out into the streets and were shouting. “I could hear noise from the direction of the park too, nothing sinister but just people being loud — it happens quite often. “I am worried because I walk my dog there every day, but I usually try not to go there after dark — you just don’t know who’s around.” A sex attack in Baxter Park was also reported in February 2017. Meanwhile, a family fun day organised by ParkLives, which was scheduled to take place at Baxter Park between 2 and 4pm yesterday, was moved to Dawson Park.

I never walk in the park after dark because there are all kinds of people in there at night

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. The police presence around Baxter Park continued yesterday as forensic officers combed the area.