Police are investigating reports of a serious sexual assault near the River Don in Inverurie.
Officers were in attendance at a riverside path near Port Elphinstone for most of the day.
They cordoned off a section of the walkway after receiving reports of a serious sexual assault in the area at about 6.30pm on Monday.
Forensics officers at River Don
Local residents reported seeing police, including an unmarked vehicle, arrive at the scene early in the morning.
Four plain clothes officers were later seen at the riverside with evidence bags.
One wearing a forensics suit and two others wearing protective hair covers, masks and gloves carried out investigations around a bench within the cordon.
They were working in the same area for more than an hour.
A police spokesman said: “We received a report of a serious sexual assault near to the River Don and St James’s Place in Inverurie at around 6.30pm on Monday.
“Inquiries are ongoing.”
Almost 24 hours after the incident was reported, police left the scene and removed the cordon.
The public were able to access the path again from about 5.30pm.
Police cordon in place all day
An officer stood guard at each end of the cordoned off area along Riverside Paths to make sure nobody walked through while investigation work took place.
Those approaching from St James’s Place throughout the day were asked to use an alternative route.
The area is a highly popular spot for locals and is always busy with residents out walking.
People have continued to do this today despite the police activity, with a number of pupils walking past on their way home from school and others out walking their dogs.
