Police investigating a sexual assault at a popular Elgin park cordoned-off the area on Saturday afternoon as they canvassed for evidence.
Officers scoured an area of grass and trees at the Doocot Park near to North Street, conducting a fingertip and metal detector search of the scene.
A 33-year-old woman was left shaken but uninjured following the incident, which is said to have taken place at about 1am on Friday morning.
Investigators have released a description of a man who they want to trace in connection with the attack.
He is said to be in his 20s, of slim build and between 5ft 7in and 6ft in height, and was wearing a dark hooded top when he was seen in the vicinity of Doocot Park.
They have also appealed for video footage and assistance from the public, with dash-cam footage of the area and surrounding streets captured between 11pm Thursday night and 1.30am Friday morning sought.
Community leaders have been quick to condemn the attack which took place in what is a popular New Elgin play park.
Elgin City South councillor and council leader Graham Leadbitter described it as a “very worrying incident”.
“Obviously this is a very worrying incident and completely distressing for the victim.
“Fortunately these types of incidents are rare in Elgin but I would urge people in the local community to be vigilant.
“If anyone has relevant information, even if it seems small, they should contact the police.”
Elgin community council chairman Alastair Kennedy was also saddened to hear about a serious incident in a normally peaceful area of town.
He said: “New Elgin is usually a safe place to walk in at night, even though lone females might be a wee bit wary.
“I was surprised and disappointed to hear about this but obviously we don’t know the odds and ends of it.
“I hope the woman is OK and the police can catch the man responsible as soon as possible so that people can feel safe again.”
Detective Andrew Sharp appealed for witnesses who may have seen something to come forward.
He said: “If anyone recalls seeing or hearing anything unusual or recalls seeing a man going into or leaving Doocot Park in the early hours of Friday they should contact us immediately.”
Information can be passed to the police by calling 101 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.