Appeal after 9am assault

Crime: Police hunt early-morning female attacker who stole woman’ s bag

Police are hunting the woman behind an early morning assault and robbery on an Aberdeen street.

Her victim, a 27-year-old woman, was left “shaken and upset” by the incident which took place on Ashgrove Road at its junction with Westburn Drive.

Police said the victim was walking along the street at about 9am yesterday when she was approached

“I suspect people are getting a bit adventurous wearing masks to hide identities”

from behind, threatened and her handbag stolen.

Although she did not require any medical treatment, police said she had been very distressed by what happened.

The suspect is described as white, around 5ft in height, and with a gaunt appearance and slim build.

She had auburn hair, which was tied in a plait, and was wearing a face mask and grey tracksuit trousers.

Councillor for the Midstocket and Rosemount area Tom Mason said it had been a very “frightening” incident, especially for 9am on a bright morning.

“It is very worrying that this has happened so early in the morning,” he said.

“I suspect people are getting a bit adventurous wearing masks to hide identities so recognising people later for identification can be difficult.”

Officers are conducting inquires as well as checking CCTV footage from in and around the area. Detective Barry Wallace said: “A young woman has been left extremely upset by this incident.

“I am appealing to members of the public who were in the area around the time of the incident, asking: ‘Did you see it and did you see the suspect?’

“If you have any information, please contact us.

“I would also appeal to motorists to check their dash cams as they could have captured images that could assist our investigation.”

Mr Mason added: “I would hope that someone did see what has happened.

“Hopefully police will be putting on extra patrols.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Photograph by Kenny Elrick CRIME SCENE: Ashgrove Road’s junction with Westburn Drive where the mugging took place yesterday morning.