More than 400 people have been interviewed in the hunt for a Moray rapist.
A woman in her 30s was attacked in New Elgin three months ago, as she walked along Murray Street at night.
But despite a major investigation, involving specialist officers and extensive door-to-door inquiries, the culprit has not yet been caught.
Yesterday, police renewed their appeal for information in the hope that a vital clue may lead to the attacker being tracked down.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Morrans said: “There has been an extensive amount of work carried out in relation to the inquiry by a team of specialist officers dedicated to the case.
“More than 400 people have been interviewed as part of house-to-house and other inquiries and this work has enabled us to better understand the circumstances and help us ensure every line of enquiry has been explored.”
He stressed the incident was being treated as an “isolated case”.
The attacker, who struck outside a supported accommodation block on July 27, is described as being in his late 20s to early 40s, of slim build, with a round face and a balding – possibly shaved – head.
At the time of the assault, between 10pm and 10.30pm, he was wearing a white T-shirt with a round dark pattern on the front, dark tracksuit bottoms and trainers and was carrying a white carrier bag.
The woman was shaken and upset following the incident near the junction with Meadow Crescent and Millar Street.
Police have appealed for anyone who saw anything “strange or suspicious” at the time, or knows anyone who has been acting in an “odd manner” since to contact them, even if the detail may seem insignificant.
DCI Morrans said: “Officers investigating such crimes are specially trained to deal with sensitive investigations and the availability and knowledge of specialist officers nationally has assisted us greatly.
“While the male involved in this case has not yet been identified, we remain hopeful this person will be traced and a positive conclusion will be reached. I’m appealing to the community to help us establish who he is.”
Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.