A young woman was subjected to an early-morning sex attack in Aberdeen city centre yesterday.
Police launched an investigation after the 22-year-old was assaulted in the Castlegate area at around 3.30am.
Last night, a police spokesman said the investigation was in its “early stages” but urged anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to come forward with information.
Police yesterday cordoned off an area adjacent to the historic Mercat Cross, stretching from Italian restaurant La Lombarda to A&M Butchers, at the far end of Justice Street.
The investigation appeared to focus on a number of small lanes leading away from the Castlegate, in the direction of East North Street.
Police officers and vans could also be seen in nearby Peacock’s Close.
One shopkeeper, who did not want to be named, said there had been a strong police presence when she arrived for work at 8.30am.
She added: “There was a police officer standing at the entrance to every lane and when I turned up an officer asked me about the shop’s CCTV but I couldn’t help.”
Another shopkeeper added: “Customers have been coming in all day asking what’s going on but I’ve not heard anything.
“All I know is that the police were here this morning when I came to open the shop and a policewoman said something serious had happened.
“I think people will be shocked to hear about something like this happening here.”
Local councillor Andrew May said he was “appalled”.
The councillor for the George Street-Harbour area added: “This means people cannot go where they want safely in the city, and I really am appalled to hear that.
“I sincerely hope that the police catch the culprit and bring them to justice very quickly.”
Fellow councillor Jean Morrison also expressed shock saying: “It is very near the city centre and it is well lit even at that time of the night so I am surprised.
“I am sure local people will be concerned to hear about this and I hope they will be extra-vigilant.
“Anyone who saw anything unusual should contact the police and hopefully it won’t take too long before they find out who did this and make an arrest.”