Police appeal for information after serious sexual assault on teenager in Linwood

POLICE have launched an appeal for information after the serious sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in Linwood.

The attack happened in the Renfrewshire town in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The victim, who detectives say has been left traumatised by the ordeal, was at a house party in Atholl Place and went outside with a friend.

Her friend left and the victim was approached by two young men. One of the young men then subjected her to a serious sexual assault before making off from the area.

The first man is described as wearing a green/blue hooded top thought to be a camouflage design whilst the other wore a dark coloured jacket and a light blue polo top. Both had local accents.

The victim reported the incident to police and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

Detective Inspector Ian Ross from the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit based at Paisley said: “Prior to the incident the victim had been bringing in the New Year at a house party with her friends, all of whom were inside when it happened.

“She has been left traumatised by the ordeal and it is absolutely vital that we trace the despicable individual responsible.

“Many residents in Atholl Place will have still been awake celebrating the start of 2018 at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or noticed two young men matching the above descriptions, to please get in touch.”

DI Ross also appealed to the attacker’s companion to come forward and report what he knows to police.

He added: “The victim has been through a horrendous experience which she will have to live with for the rest of her life. The person responsible has no place in our community and must be arrested as soon as possible.

“Whilst concerning, I would like to reassure the local community that this is an isolated incident and our specialist officers will do everything they can to find the perpetrator and bring him to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit based at Paisley via 101, quoting incident number 2011 of 7 January 2018. Alternatively you can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.