Girl (15) suffered brutal sex attack in Bathgate park

May 21 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

POLICE have made an urgent appeal for information following a brutal sexual attack on a teenager in Bathgate.

The 15-year-old girl had been with friends, but left them and was walking through Kirkton Park in Bathgate, when she was assaulted, say police investigating the incident.

The attack was said to have taken place in the park between 9 and 10pm on an evening in mid-March.

However, police were only informed last Thursday (May 14) about the incident.

Officers have now issued a description of the man they urgently want to speak to in connection with the attack as well as an appeal for any witnesses.

The man involved is described as being aged between 18 to 19 years old, six feet tall with a muscular physique, fat stomach and short brown spiky hair.

The man police want to speak to about the attack was said to have been wearing a white jumper and grey Adidas tracksuit bottoms with a green stripe.

He was also said to have spoken with an Australian or South African accent.

A police spokesman told the Courier: “This was a serious attack on a vulnerable young girl and we are every anxious to trace this man.

“We are appealing to anyone who can remember seeing or hearing anything suspicious in the Kirkton Park area during the month of March to contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect and can provide us with information to help with our enquiries should also come forward. as a matter of urgency”

Anyone with any information on the incident can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131.

People can also telephone the Crimestoppers number free and in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.