Sex attacker hunt switches cities

A DNA sample was taken in Kelvingrove Street

Police believe a serial sex attacker wanted in connection with the rape of an 11-year-old girl in Edinburgh could be operating in Glasgow.

Detectives investigating reports of a prowler in the west end of Glasgow found samples which matched the DNA profile of the Edinburgh attacker.

Officers already suspect the man may have been involved in other serious sex attacks and said he must be caught before he claims another victim.

The samples were gathered after the man was disturbed by a neighbouring family while looking through the window of a house in Kelvingrove Street.

The girl was forced to the back of the library

Strathclyde Police said it has been working closely with officers in the capital following the incident, which happened shortly after 2300 GMT on 14 November.

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed that the samples matched the DNA of the attacker who targeted an 18-year-old woman and the girl in Edinburgh.

The man attacked the woman at about 1730 GMT in the Braidburn Walkway between Cameron Toll and Goods Corner, Gilmerton Road.

However, the woman put up a fierce struggle and managed to fight him off.

Incident room

About 50 minutes later the 11-year-old girl was walking in Fountainhall Road when she was seized by the man who forced her to the rear of Newington Library where he carried out what police have called an "horrific" attack.

Detective Inspector Gavin Barry, of Lothian and Borders Police, who has been leading the inquiry, said: "It may be that the culprit was in both cities for quite legitimate reasons, but if he fits the description we need to hear about him.

"People should remember that sex offenders come in all shapes and sizes.

Crimewatch reconstructed one of the attacks

"He may be the last person you would think capable of committing such crimes but he is someone's relative, neighbour or friend and if you have any suspicions whatsoever, I would urge you to contact the incident room immediately."

The Edinburgh attacks were featured on the BBC's Crimewatch programme and resulted in more than 100 calls, including one from a sobbing woman who said she thought she had been attacked by the man.

The man was described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, 5ft 10in to 6ft tall, with stubble or heavy growth.

He was wearing a dark casual jacket, black or navy coloured trousers or jogging bottoms, a black woolly hat and was carrying a dark rucksack.