Thursday, March 28, 2024
1Police appeal for witnesses after second Livingston sex attack in a week

Police appeal for witnesses after second Livingston sex attack in a week

A 27-YEAR-OLD woman was sexually assaulted as she walked down a public footpath in Livingston yesterday (Wed) evening.

The victim was on the footpath between Cedarbank and Cloverbank in the Ladywell area at around 5.15pm when she was attacked by a man in his mid-20s.

He was described as being around 26-years-old, between 5ft 7 – 5ft 8ins tall and of slim build, with short fair or light brown hair and was wearing a dark baseball cap with yellow writing.

The man was clean-shaven and was wearing dark jeans with a dark long-sleeved top and a dark coloured waterproof jacket.

Police are appealing for anyone who was around the area at that time to get in touch, and were still at the scene the following morning carrying out investigations.

Detective Inspector Gachagan, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are rigorously pursuing a positive line of enquiry in connection with this incident, and are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area, and may have seen or heard anything suspicious.

“This has been a terrifying ordeal for the young woman involved, and we are dedicating our full resources to trace the person responsible, so it is vital anyone with any information comes forward.

“Investigations are continuing at the scene this morning (Thur), and anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”

It follows the alleged rape of a 39-year-old woman, also in Livingston, in the early hours of Saturday morning, after a man broke into the home she was staying at.

A man appeared in court yesterday (Wed) over the alleged sex attack.

John McKeown, 22, appeared on petition at Livingston Sheriff Court in connection with the incident.

He faces charges of abduction, rape, two counts of assault, attempted murder and breach of the peace.

McKeown, from Livingston, made no plea or declaration when he appeared in private and was remanded in custody until his next appearance later this month.

REPORT: Christine Lavelle

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