Police are still hunting a rapist four months after a young woman was attacked in an iconic Aberdeen park.
The incident, which sent shockwaves around the local community, took place in Union Terrace Gardens in the early hours of January 28.
A major police investigation was launched with local officers assisted by specialist officers from a national rape investigation unit.
Yet, four months later, nobody has been charged in connection with the crime.
Last night, the officer heading up the inquiry issued a fresh call for information from the public.
Detective Inspector Sheila McDerment, from the National Rape Investigation Unit, said: “The case at Union Terrace Gardens is a particularly challenging investigation, but we have positive lines of enquiry which we are following up.
“We want to send out a clear message rape and sexual crime will not be tolerated in our communities and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.
“Our unit is aware of the complexities and sensitivities encountered by victims of serious sexual crimes. We continue to work with our partner agencies to do all we can to continually improve the service we provide, in order to build their trust and confidence in the work we do.”
Just weeks after the rape, a man was charged with sexual assault following an incident in the park. He was subsequently discharged by the procurator fiscal.
Police have introduced a number of safety measures in and around the park since the incident, including plain-clothed patrols and CCTV.
And DI McDerment has urged anyone who may have been near the park at the time of the incident who has not yet come forward to do so.
She added: “We would still like to encourage anyone who was in the area of Union Terrace Gardens between 3 and 4am on Thursday, January 28 and who may have seen something of concern to contact us.
“It may be that someone out there has heard information which could help us identify the person responsible.”
Anyone with information can contact the inquiry team on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.