Police have issued an urgent appeal after a 30-year-old woman was the victim of a rare alleged serious sexual assault in the Shetland islands.
The alleged attack took place in a town centre lane in the capital of Lerwick around midnight on Saturday.
Police are now appealing for information and dashcam footage in a bid to find the suspect.
A spokeswoman said: “The 30-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted by a man around midnight on Saturday, October 5, into Sunday, October 6, in a lane near to Commercial Street in Lerwick.”
Commercial Street, known locally as “Da Street”, is in the centre of Lerwick’s shopping district.
The spokeswoman continued: “Extensive inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and there is additional police activity ongoing in the area to identify the suspect.
“He is described as being in his late 20s to early 30s, 5ft 8in-6ft in height, slim build with dark hair.”
Detective Inspector Gerry Shovlin said: “This is an extremely unusual incident in Lerwick and I would like to reassure people that considerable efforts are being made to progress inquiries as swiftly as possible
“I would urge anyone who was around the Commercial Street area between 10pm and 1.20am on the night in question to come forward.
“You may have information which could help so please cast your mind back and pass on anything which may be of use.
“I would also be interested in speaking to anyone who was driving in the area and may have dashcam footage.
“Anyone who can help can contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A spokeswoman for Shetland Rape Crisis said: “We support anyone in the aftermath of a rape, attempted rape or sexual assault to do what is right for them.
“Everyone is affected differently by sexual violence. How you are feeling, and what you want to do, will depend on your own experience and circumstances. There is no right or wrong way to feel.
“If you want to speak with someone about what has happened to you, or about anything else, please contact us on 01595 747174 or contact@shetlandrapecrisis.scot or phone the Rape Crisis Helpline free on 08088 01 03 02.”
