Detectives hunting a man who raped a young woman in an Aberdeen park have traced a key witness.
Police had issued an urgent appeal for a man seen near Union Gardens around the time a 21-year-old was subjected to a “serious” sexual assault to come forward.
Officers revealed his last known movements, and said they hoped he could hold vital information about the incident in the early hours of Thursday.
Police have confirmed the man has come forward.
Detective Inspector Jacqui Campbell said: “This witness has been traced and provided useful information.”
Union Terrace Gardens was sealed-off after police received a report that a woman had been attacked in the historic park between 3am-3.30am on Thursday.
The area remained completely closed until officers had completed an inch-by-inch search of the park on Friday afternoon.
Efforts were focused on an expanse of grass running alongside the railway track, and the grassy embankments which slope down from Rosemount Viaduct near His Majesty’s Theatre.
Last night, DI Campbell urged anyone else who had been in the area at the time to come forward.
“We’d again ask anyone who was near Union Terrace Gardens, Union Terrace itself or in the area around The Central Library or His Majesty’s Theatre at about 3.30am on Thursday morning to come forward,” she said.
“All information helps and it may be that others have heard or seen something which will help us find the person responsible for this assault.”
Police have urged anyone with information to contact them on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.