Police divers searched a river yesterday as part of an ongoing investigation into a serious assault in Elgin.
A 44-year-old woman was left with a severe head injury after being attacked near Woodside Terrace shortly after 5am on Thursday, October 26.
It is understood that the woman, who is being treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, remains in a serious condition.
Yesterday, divers scoured an area of the River Lossie near the Landshut Bridge for clues which could lead to the attacker being identified.
Detective Inspector Norman Stevenson, who has been leading the inquiry, said no stone would be left unturned during the probe.
DI Stevenson said: “Although I cannot go into the exact nature of what the search activity involved today, I can confirm that it was in connection with our inquiries into a serious assault that left a woman badly injured.
“This has been just one aspect of numerous lines of inquiry we have been pursuing.
“Every piece of information we receive and intelligence we gather needs to be pursued and thoroughly examined.”
Large police vehicles were parked alongside the town’s cathedral, and the divers waded into a stretch of water opposite Cathedral Court during the early afternoon.
They were seen picking up items from the riverbed and examining them, as they slowly progressed past parts of Elgin’s flood defence scheme.
At the time of the assault, which took place when the woman was on her way to work at a lane near Woodside Terrace, the victim was wearing a light coloured jacket, blue jeans, brown boots and was carrying a black handbag.
She has fair hair and is of average build.
Police described the case as “complex” because the woman had been so badly wounded that she was unable to provide officers with any information.
Officers believe she had been making her way to get a bus when she was attacked.
DI Stevenson explained that the force was working on the assumption that the assault was “targeted and pre-planned” given the early hour.
He added: “My appeal to anyone with information about this incident remains.”
People who may be able to help can contact police on 101, or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 55511 if they would prefer to remain anonymous.