POLICE hunting a sex attacker who subjected a young woman to a two-and-a-half hour ordeal arrested and charged a 22-year-old man early today. The 24-year-old victim was taken to hospital after the attack in the Seaton area of Aberdeen.
Detectives do not believe she knew her attacker. A dedicated team of officers scoured Park Road near Trinity Cemetery and an area beside the Beach Esplanade, next to the mouth of the River Don, was cordoned off yesterday. A police statement released at 1am today said: “Police Scotland can confirm that following extensive inquiries, a 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with a sexual assault that happened in the Seaton area of Aberdeen on Monday, February 3.”
The man is expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today.
Local councillor Andrew May said he was “appalled” to hear about the incident, which police believe lasted from 8.30pm to about 11pm on Monday.
Earlier, Detective Inspector Kevin Walker, who is leading the inquiry, appealed to anyone who saw a couple in the area on Monday night to get in touch.
He said: “There is a dedicated team of officers investigating a serious sexual assault and they are following a positive line of inquiry at the moment.
“It was a prolonged attack on the female from 8.30pm to about 11pm on Monday night and I would like to speak to anyone who was in the Park Road or Beach Esplanade areas and who may have seen a couple, with the female possibly distressed.
“I would be very interested to hear what they have to say.
“It was a long period of time that the woman was in this man’s company.”
Yesterday, police searched a small, wooden bird hide off the Beach Esplanade near the mouth of the River Don which is owned by Aberdeen City Council and open to the public round the clock.
Forensic officers examined the hut but DI Walker declined to say if the attack had taken place inside.
He added: “It is too early to say at this stage what the motive might have been and we are not looking at any other incident that has happened in the area.
“It certainly seems to be a one-off crime.”
Officers carried out door-to-door inquiries and high-visibility patrols in the Seaton area last night.
George Street and Harbour area councillor Andrew May was shocked to hear about the incident.
“The idea that someone is not safe in Aberdeen – and the area would have been fairly busy at the time – is appalling,” he said.
“I am taken aback that an attack such as this has happened.
“Anywhere in the city should be a place where people can be assured of their safety.”
Police have urged anyone with information to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.