Police are investigating an allegation that a woman was raped in Caithness.
Residents in Wick were shocked yesterday after a police incident tent was erected behind the Clydesdale Bank in the town centre.
Specialist officers wearing protective white clothing and blue gloves were seen carrying out a fingertip search of the area.
Others were taking notes and photographs.
The activity was concentrated around a small path which connects Bridge Street and Kirk Lane, where a car park is used by customers of nearby shops and businesses.
Passers-by who asked officers what they were investigating were told it was a “serious assault”.
It is understood a woman had reported that she had been raped.
A police spokeswoman said she could not confirm any details, but that more information would be released in due course.
A statement released yesterday afternoon said: “At about 10.20pm on Friday, September 5, Police Scotland received a report of an assault on a woman having taken place within the lane leading to Kirk Lane car park in Wick town centre.
“Inquiries are at an early stage and no further information is available at this time.
“Anyone who was in the vicinity at that time and may have witnessed anything unusual should contact 101.”