Someone knows identity of cycle track rapist

Jun 20 2009 by Kenneth Speirs, Paisley Daily Express

THE man leading the hunt for a brutal rapist yesterday appealed directly to the public to help him catch the sex monster.

Detective Inspector Mark McGowan said: “Someone out there knows who this man is.

“They may not realise he has committed this awful crime but they should look at the description we have issued and see if it matches anyone they know.

“If it does they should get in touch.”

DI McGowan asked that family or friends should cast aside any sense of “misguided loyalty” to the attacker, who targeted his victim on the cycle track close to Newton Terrace, Paisley.

“We have a very good description of this man and I know someone will know who he is,” he said.

The rapist is described as white, and between 25 and 30 years of age.

He is thin, around 5ft 8ins tall with collar-length, sandy coloured hair in a centre parting.

He was wearing a reddish brown, long-sleeved top that had toggles for a drawstring at the bottom. He was also wearing black trousers and black shoes, and was carrying a black shoulder bag.

DI McGowan added: “I know this will jog someone’s memory. If they think they know who it is, they should call the police immediately.”

Officers are also anxious to hear from a family with children who were noticed nearby by the victim while she was still undergoing the ordeal, which took place near a stretch of ground covered with graffiti.

“The man was still with her when she noticed the family close by.” said DI McGowan.

“I need that family to come forward. They could have vital information which would help us find this suspect.”

Yesterday the victim, who is a Japanese woman, was helping give detectives a photofit image of the evil sex beast.

And it was revealed the investigation into the rape has taken a major step forward following an appeal in the Paisley Daily Express.

Officers were desperate to contact a group of cyclists who were on the cycle track around the time of the attack on Tuesday.

And after our appeal was published, two of the cyclists got in touch with the police and gave them vital information.

DI McGowan said: “The TV and radio appeal had a limited response but as soon as the Express hit the streets I knew we would get a good response.

“Two of the cyclists got in touch with us and that was very, very positive.

“We’ve now been able to firm up the route taken by the victim and part of the description of the suspect.

“This information has been really, really helpful.”

It is hoped a photofit image will be released early next week if no-one is arrested for the attack this weekend.

DI McGowan again stressed the vitally important role the public has to play in helping catch the extremely dangerous man who carried out the rape, and put his victim through a “terrible” ordeal.

And DI McGowan renewed his call to cyclists, walkers, and runners who were on the cycle track around the time of the attack to get in touch immediately. Anyone else who may have information is also urged to contact the police.

The woman’s brutal ordeal began when she stopped her bike on the track to ask a man for directions.

Police said the man then walked a short distance with her as if to show her the way.

But he then pulled her off her bike and dragged her into bushes where he attacked and raped her. He then ran off.

The Japanese woman was wearing a white T-shirt and charcoal-grey trousers. She was also carrying a backpack which was black with blue piping.

If you have any information that can help police catch the sex attacker then call 01505 404000.

You can also call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111 where you can pass on information anonymously.