Boy, 14, charged with rape and abduction

METHIL: Woman reported being attacked on wasteland in the early evening

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the rape and abduction of a woman in Methil earlier this year.

The teenager was remanded in custody when he appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday.

Police mounted an investigation after the 20-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted on an area of wasteland near Laird Avenue on January 29.

The accused faces charges of abduction, rape and sexual assault.

He cannot be named due to his age and his address was given only as Fife.

Police Scotland revealed yesterday morning that he had been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

He appeared in private on petition at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court later in the day.

The youth made no plea and was committed for further examination.

He will return to the court for a second appearance within the next eight days.

Police Scotland thanked the public for their support during a lengthy probe into the case.

They previously praised the woman for her bravery in assisting officers with their investigation.

Detective Inspector Kelly McEwan, of Fife’s public protection unit, said: “This has been a complex investigation and we’ve been committed to conducting thorough and extensive inquiries since this was reported.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the people of Methil for their support and co-operation with officers throughout this.”

Officers issued several appeals for information as they searched for a perpetrator of the alleged attack.

The woman reported she had been assaulted around 8pm as she made her way from Herriot Crescent on to Kirkland Road.

Officers also mounted door-to-door inquiries and high-visibility patrols in an attempt to offer reassurance to worried members of the public.

It was originally thought there had been a breakthrough just days into the inquiry when a 26-year-old man was arrested.

However, he was released shortly after without charge and the hunt continued.

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I want to extend my sincere thanks to the people of Methil for their support and co-operation. DI KELLY MCEWAN

Picture: Steven Brown. Police at the scene of the alleged sexual assault.