National teams called in to investigate rape in Aberdeen

Following the rape of a 21-year-old woman in Union Terrace Gardens on the 28th of January local police are now working with national teams to try and find the attackers.

The victim has not been able to give a description her attacker, due to the distressing nature of the incident.

The police have now collected statements from 20 people who were in the area around the time of incident, but still need more witnesses to come forward to help in the investigation.

The Detective Inspector Jacqui Campbell said: “The team working on it are predominantly based in Aberdeen, but have been working with national and divisional rape task forces.

“We’re certainly following positive lines of inquiry.

“We have about 20 different statements from people in the area, either who we had identified or have come forward themselves.

“The victim has been unable to describe the attacker, so we’re relying on appeals and other lines of inquiry.”

The assault, which occurred two weeks ago, comes after statistics were released revealing that sex crimes have increased by 50% in Aberdeen.

In the period between April and September 2014, 219 sex crimes were reported to the police. This number increased to 336 between April and September 2015.

Police Scotland are asking for anyone with any information to contact them on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to stay anonymous.