Published: Friday, 18th January, 2008 10:40
Police appeal after attack on teenager
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POLICE patrols have been stepped up in Peebles following an attack at New Year on a teenage girl.
The young woman was pulled into the rear area of the Castle Warehouse building next to the Cuddyside on Sunday, December 30 and indecently assaulted.
Investigating detectives have yet to release full details of the incident – but a fresh appeal was made this week in a bid to snare the attacker.
Sergeant Helen Birrell from Lothian and Borders Police told the Peeblesshire News: “If anyone was around the area of Northgate or Cuddyside at about 9.30pm on December 30 and saw or heard a struggle between a young woman and a man we would like to hear from them.
“This type of incident is very unusual and as a consequence there are increased high visibility patrols in the area to reassure the public.
“A full investigation is underway in an attempt to identify the attacker.”
Officers believe the attacker ran off along the Cuddyside towards the Bridgegate area.
They are also trying to trace a cyclist who was in the Nothgate area at around the same time.
Sergeant Birrell added: “The man on the bike is similar in description to the attacker and we would appeal to anyone who knows the cyclist, or indeed if the cyclist identifies himself, to make contact with us.”
The attacker is believed to be in his 20s with average height and a muscular build.
He was wearing a dark hooded top, baseball cap and tracksuit bottoms.
The Cuddyside was cordoned off for most of Hogmany while crime scene officers searched for evidence.
And extra patrols will continue to be deployed on the town’s streets until the attacker is caught.
Detective Sergeant Derek Fulton is leading the hunt.
He said: “This was a young woman who was attacked and we would like to hear from anyone who saw the attacker.
“The cyclist is potentially a key witness and we would also like to identify him.”
Police are also appealing for information following a hit-and-run on Sunday evening.
An elderly man was knocked down in Young Street by a white estate car just before 5.30pm. His injuries are not serious.
Anyone with information regarding either incident should contact Peebles Police Station on 01721 720637.
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