A man believed to have sexually assaulted a woman in Elgin remains at large a week after the incident.
Police have confirmed that officers are yet to trace the suspected attacker – who has been described as a balding man in his 40s.
A woman in her 30s was assaulted in Murray Street, outside a supported accommodation complex.
The incident took place at about 9.30pm on Wednesday night, and CID officers spent more than 12 hours combing the surrounding area afterwards in a search for clues.
Police later confirmed that one line of inquiry being pursued is that the assault was “of a sexual nature”.
Inquiries are ongoing, and last night police confirmed nobody had been charged.
Local councillors said there was a growing sense of unrest in the area, and predicted that residents would not feel safe until the culprit was snared.
Elgin City South representative, John Divers, said he worried that the man may not be from Elgin – which could make him more difficult to trace.
He added: “There’s are some obvious concerns, and until this person is found I would say those concerns will not go away.
“Nobody seems to know who it might be, and that makes me wonder whether it could be somebody from outwith the local area.”
Fellow ward member Graham Leadbitter, added: “It’s understandable that an incident like this will cause the local community a degree of worry, but it’s important to remember that the police believe it to be an isolated incident.
“I just hope that anybody who does have any information will come forward to assist officers.”
Police have described the culprit as being in his 40s, and of a slim build with a round face and a bald or balding head.
At the time, he was wearing a white T-shirt with a dark round pattern on the front, dark tracksuit bottoms and trainers and was carrying a white plastic bag.
Anyone with information has been asked to call the police on 101.