Police Scotland is appealing for information following a number of suspicious incidents in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire areas involving a male approaching lone females.
Several instances have been reported to police of a man stopping runners asking them to give him a ‘piggyback’ because he is injured.
One incident was reported in the Laurencekirk area on Sunday August 7, 2016, and another three on the old Deeside railway line between Cults and Milltimber between Sunday, August 28 and Saturday, September 3. The incidents took place in the morning/ afternoon.
Sergeant Andy Peerless said: “While on the surface these incidents may appear fairly innocuous, they have made the women involved feel extremely uncomfortable and alarmed which obviously makes this a concern for us.
“Given the frequency of the incidents and the similarities between them, we are asking the public to be vigilant and report any concerns to Police as soon as possible while our inquiries continue.
“In each case the women who have been approached say the male has been persistent in nature and behaving oddly. We are particularly keen to trace a male described as being around 40-60 years of age, between 5ft5 and 5ft8, of a stocky build with grey receding hair. In each case the man has been wearing exercise clothes.
“Officers will be giving particular attention to the areas in question and are taking these reports extremely seriously.
“Anyone with information should contact Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would like to remain anonymous.”