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Historic Aberdeen park closed after a young woman was raped

Union Terrace Gardens sealed shut
Union Terrace Gardens sealed shut

An investigation has been launched after a young woman was raped in the grounds of an Aberdeen park.

Union Terrace Gardens was sealed off  yesterday after police received a report that a 21-year-old had been the victim of a “serious sexual assault” in the grounds between 3am and 3.30am.

An officer stood at each of the park’s three main entrances throughout the day, while other uniformed police guarded a section of the sunken Victorian Garden running alongside the railway track.

Police and forensic officers attend Union Terrace Gardens.
Police and forensic officers attend Union Terrace Gardens.

As dawn broke, a team was seen carrying police evidence boxes and specialist forensics equipment into the   grounds as investigations got under way.

The park remained closed the rest of the day  and the area   cordoned off throughout the night to allow officers to resume their examination   today.

Last night area commander Chief Inspector Graham Mackie urged anyone with any information to come forward. It is understood   two men were seen in the area around the time of the incident, and Ch Insp Mackie urged them to contact police with any information they may have.

Police and forensic officers attend Union Terrace Gardens.
Police and forensic officers attend Union Terrace Gardens.

“This was a serious assault on a woman in the city centre and we would urge anyone who may have been in the Union Terrace Gardens area at that time and who saw or heard anything untoward to come forward with any information they may have,” he said.

“I’d like to reassure the public that these types of incidents are unusual, however, we would encourage people to be vigilant.”

Local councillor Alex Nicholl backed the police appeal for information and said he was “extremely concerned”.

“I would appeal for anyone to support the police in finding out what happened.”