Police hunt man who raped pensioner after ruling out suspect

Officers issue fresh appeal for information

A man who raped an 83-year-old woman in her Glenrothes home is still at large, police have confirmed.

A 36-year-old arrested on Friday in connection with the sickening assault has been released without charge and eliminated from officers’ inquiries.

Police have now issued another appeal for information.

Residents were urged to keep all doors and windows locked after the attack in Meldrum Court at around 5am on Thursday last week.

It is thought the man broke into the woman’s house and police said while the elderly victim was not physically hurt during her terrifying ordeal, she was left distraught by her experience.

Specialist officers from across Scotland have been brought in to help their Fife colleagues in the hunt and a highly visible police presence will be maintained in the area for the foreseeable future.

Detective Chief Inspector John Anderson of Fife CID said: “A major investigation has continued at pace since this horrendous crime was reported and I am now in a position to confirm that a 36-year-old man arrested has been eliminated from our inquiries.

“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 during the early hours of Thursday June 25, and would urge anyone who can help to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was walking or in a vehicle travelling around the Collydean area of Glenrothes during the early hours of Thursday June 25, who may have seen someone acting suspiciously.

“I would also urge anyone who was in a vehicle with dashcam footage in that area of Glenrothes during that time period to also contact the police.”

He added: “We are committed to identifying the person responsible as quickly as possible and local officers are being supported by specialist colleagues from across the country whilst this major investigation is ongoing.

“We are also continuing to provide support to the woman and her family while the investigation continues.”

Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We are also continuing to provide support to the woman and her family. DCI JOHN ANDERSON

Picture: Steve Brown.