Hunt for teen who coughed on health worker

Police officers in Banchory have urged the public to help track down a teenager who assaulted a healthcare worker by coughing on her.

The woman was driving home on the unclassified road from Inchmarlo golf course to Brathens Wood when she saw someone waving to attract her attention.

The youth moved towards her when she stopped her car and coughed directly in her face, telling her that she would now get coronavirus.

He then ran off into the woods laughing,

“It left the woman distressed and fearful”

where he is believed to have joined a group of other youths.

Police have described him as aged between 13 and 16, with a slim build and about 5ft 6in with a local accent. He was wearing a light grey hoodie, a black jacket and black or dark blue joggers.

The incident is being treated as assault.

Sergeant Garry Garrow said: “This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It left the woman distressed and fearful.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened to get in touch, particularly if they saw this youth before or after the assault, or know who he is.

“I would also ask parents to remind their children that this kind of behaviour is more than just a prank, it can cause genuine fear and increased anxiety.”