Police confirm arrest in manhunt after rape of 83-year-old woman

Glenrothes community were shocked by incident

Police investigating the rape of an 83-year-old woman in Glenrothes have arrested a man.

Officers confirmed yesterday they were questioning a 36-year-old in connection with the “abhorrent” incident in the early hours of Thursday.

The elderly victim was left extremely distressed, although not physically hurt, by her ordeal after a man dressed in black broke into her home in Meldrum Court at around 5am.

As inquiries continued yesterday, the community expressed shock and revulsion but praised police for increasing their presence in the

Collydean area in the wake of the assault. Denise Wallace, vice-chairwoman of North Glenrothes Community Council said people had been horrified to hear what had happened.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking and it somehow feels worse when it’s in your own area,” she said.

“For it to happen to a lady like that is just appalling. It doesn’t bear thinking about.

“I can’t fault the police. They are here and it’s giving people some peace of mind.”

Detective Chief Inspector John Anderson of Fife CID said: “We can confirm a man has been arrested and our inquiries remain ongoing.

“We are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around Meldrum Court or in the Collydean area of Glenrothes, and would urge anyone who can help to come forward.

“I would ask that the community remains vigilant and they continue to make sure their homes are as secure as possible at all times, including making sure all windows and doors are locked at night.”

Mr Anderson had previously described the assault as “an abhorrent act” and said a highly-visible police presence would remain in the area while the investigation continued.

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

It is absolutely heartbreaking and it somehow feels worse when it’s in your own area. DENISE WALLACE

Picture: Steve Brown. Police at the scene in Glenrothes.