Police release efit of sex attack suspect
Assault on woman jogger, 32, in Armadale
Police investigating the rape of a 32-year- old woman in West Lothian last Tuesday have released an e-fit of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the case.
Following new information, detectives are urgently looking to trace the man following the serious sexual assault of a female jogger near Armadale Stadium on April 25 at around 9pm.
The man is described as being a white male of around 40 years of age with large ears and dark or black wavy hair.
He was wearing a black woollen jacket, black jeans and royal blue navy trainers and it is believed he speaks with a Scottish accent.
Detective Superintendent Pat Campbell from Lothians and Scottish Borders CID said: “I am appealing to the communities of West Lothian and the public in general for suggestions as to the identity of the man shown in the image as a matter of urgency.
“Whilst we understand that this crime has caused a great deal of concern amongst the local community, I would like to reassure everyone that our officers are doing absolutely everything they can to investigate this crime.
“I would also like to advise the public to take care when walking at night and to report any suspicious behaviour that they may have noticed.
DS Campbell said that officers were “completely focused” on solving the crime and stressed the importance of members of the public coming forward with information.
He added: “If you were in the surrounding area on the evening of Tuesday, April 25, please cast your mind back and think about whether you may have seen a man of the above description or anything out of the ordinary.”
DS Campbell also thanked the public for their help in the investigation after officers returned to the scene to hold a stop and speak operation on Tuesday - one week after the attack.
During the operation around 90 vehicles were stopped and all the occupants were spoken to.
DS Campbell said: “What has been clear since the start of this investigation is that the local Armadale community is extremely willing to assist with our inquiries and ensure that the male responsible is caught and removed from our streets. I would like to thank all of those who have provided us with information over the past week. This all plays a vital role in helping us solve this crime.”
The detective also asked people to show restraint when posting to social media regarding the case and instead give information to the police directly.
He said: “At this time I would also like to urge the public to exercise caution when commenting on this inquiry on social media and refrain from posting anything that could put others at risk of harm. If you think you know something that would be of use to us, then please get in touch directly.”
Those with information are asked to contact Livingston’s Public Protection Unit on 101, quoting incident number 0003 of April 26, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.