New appeal over rape of girl, 16

The attack happened near Our Lady's High School

Police have renewed their appeal for information following the rape of a 16-year-old girl near a school.

The girl was traumatised by the attack which happened at about 1130 BST on Friday in Dowanfield Road, in the Seafar area of Cumbernauld.

She was walking onto the "red bridge" near Our Lady's High School when she was dragged into bushes by a man.

Police are keen to speak to anyone, including schoolchildren, who used Revenswood Trim Track in the last week.

Det Insp Keith Webb, from Strathclyde Police, said: "We have already had contact from the joggers to whom I appealed yesterday and also from others who have used that path.

This was a terrifying and violent attack on a young girl near to a school in broad daylight Det Insp Keith Webb Strathclyde Police

"I would like to renew my appeal to schoolchildren, their parents and any person who has been in that area in the last week and may have seen the suspect."

The "red bridge" passes over the A80 into the Balloch and Eastfield areas.

The area borders local playing fields and the Ravenswood Trim Track and is popular with dog walkers, cyclists and runners.

Det Insp Webb said officers had now spoken to two joggers who had been urged to contact police.

'Vitally important'

"This was a terrifying and violent attack on a young girl near to a school in broad daylight," he said.

"It has left the victim extremely traumatised.

"It is vitally important that we arrest this man as soon as possible and I urge anyone who may have information or who was in the area and may have seen someone matching the description to come forward."

The suspect was described as being white, about 5ft 9in tall, of slim to average build with short hair. He was wearing a navy blue jacket, blue denim jeans and white trainers.

The man ran off towards the Seafar area after the assault.

Anyone with information should contact Cumbernauld police office on 01236 503 900 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.