POLICE HAVE RENEWED an appeal for information three months after a sexual assault took place in the Murray Street are of New Elgin.
Officers are reminding the public of the incident that happened between 10pm and 10.30pm on Wednesday, July 27 close to the junction with Meadow Crescent and Millar Street involving a women in her 30s.
They have since appealed for help in tracing a white male aged in his late 20s to early 40s who was seen in the area that night. He is described as being of a slim build with a round face and a bald or balding head (possibly shaved) – at the time of the incident was wearing a white T-shirt with a dark round pattern on the front, dark tracksuit bottoms and trainers, and was carrying a white carrier bag.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Morrans said: “There has been an extensive amount of work carried out in relation to the inquiry by a team of specialist officers dedicated to the case.
“More than 400 people have been interviewed as part of house-to-house and other enquiries and this work has enabled us to better understand the circumstances and help us ensure every line of enquiry has been explored. In addition, several members of the public have come forward to provide information and I would like to take this opportunity once again to thank them for their help.
“Crimes of a sexual nature present unique challenges in terms of investigation and evidence gathering and often these inquiries can be extremely complex. Officers investigating such crimes are specially trained to deal with sensitive investigations and the availability and knowledge of specialist officers nationally has assisted us greatly.
“While the male involved in this case has not yet been identified, we remain hopeful this person will be traced and a positive conclusion will be reached. I am appealing to the community to help us establish who he is.
“Did you see anything that evening you thought seemed suspicious or do you know of anyone who has been acting in an odd manner since?
“Do you know of anyone matching the description provided but have not yet come forward?
“Even if you think your information might be insignificant, I would respectfully ask you to let us make that assessment and come forward. We will continue to act on any information provided to us in relation to this case and can assure you that all lines of enquiry will be taken seriously.
“We have always treated this as an isolated case and continue to regard it as such. Incidents of this nature are extremely rare and Police Scotland takes reports of such crimes extremely seriously.
“Anyone who thinks they may have information should contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.”