Detectives leading the hunt for an Aberdeen sex attacker say his image was captured on CCTV footage.
The assailant left his 22-year-old victim “distressed” and “shaken” following the assault in the Castlegate and Justice Street area at around 3.30am on Sunday.
Yesterday, senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Kevin Walker said: “This was a serious sexual assault on a 22-year-old woman who was walking home from the city centre.
“She had been on a night out with friends in the city centre and she was walking home through the Castlegate and Justice Street areas.
“We believe she was taken down a lane and sexually assaulted.
“We have been carrying out work to try to identify exactly where the crime took place.”
Following her ordeal, the victim was helped by concerned passers-by who took her home.
She reported the crime to Police Scotland shortly after 4am.
DI Walker said: “The victim was shaken and distressed. She did not require medical attention but she was very upset and is now being cared for by specialist officers.”
A crime scene was cordoned off throughout most of Sunday, stretching from Italian restaurant La Lombarda to A&M Butchers, at the far end of Justice Street, while officers carried out initial investigations.
Yesterday, detectives were following several positive lines of inquiry after trawling through hours of CCTV – from which they have already obtained an image of the attacker – and carrying out door-to-door investigations.
The assailant was in his late 20s or early 30s, of Asian appearance, between 5ft 10 and 6ft, and medium build, with short dark hair.
He was wearing a distinctive two-tone padded hooded jacket, with darker top half and sleeves, and light blue faded jeans and white trainers.
DI Walker also appealed for witnesses to come forward.
“This happened in the early hours of the morning so any shouts could have been picked up by householders in the area,” he said.
“We know that one woman stopped and spoke to the victim shortly before the attack and we would appeal to her to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.