CATCH PARK RAPE BEAST
Cops hunt predator who attacked girl, 13
POLICE hunting a hooded attacker who raped a schoolgirl in a park say it is likely he knew the area.
The 13-year-old victim was hanging out with friends in Ladywell Park in Bannockburn, Stirling, when the predator struck last Saturday evening.
Detective Inspector Stephen Morris, leading the manhunt, said: “She separated from them to go to a local shop.
“While she was separated from her friends, she was approached from behind and dragged into a secluded wooded area where she was subjected to a serious sexual assault.
“Her attacker was 5ft 4in, male, wearing a dark hooded top with the hood up and some other dark item of clothing covering the lower part of his face.
“He was wearing gloves and distinctively dirty grey trainers and he spoke with a polite accent.”
DI Morris said the beast punched the girl in the face before raping her.
He added: “It’s an unknown attacker. This type of incident is rare, not only in Stirling but also rare nationally.
“We don’t know if it’s a local man or somebody from outwith the area but after the attack, he left and has not been traced.”
DI Morris said it was likely the rapist had some knowledge of the area.
He added: “There’s a number of youths assisting our inquiries who may have been in the park at the time.”
Last night, police were patrolling in the area and carrying out a forensic examination of the scene.
DI Morris said: I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious to please get in touch.”