Cycle track rapist has struck before

Jun 23 2009 by Kenneth Speirs, Paisley Daily Express

THE evil sex beast being hunted by detectives for the brutal rape of a woman on a cycle track in Paisley has struck before.

It is believed the vicious monster who assaulted a 33-year-old Oriental woman close to a stretch of the track at Newton Terrace last Tuesday is the same man who indecently assaulted a young woman at the River Cart Walkway, close to Forbes Place, in Paisley town centre on Thursday, April 2.

Detective Chief Inspector John Weir revealed: “A young girl was attacked by a man who grabbed her, pulled her into bushes, and indecently assaulted her.

“I now strongly believe that this person is the same person who committed the attack at the cycle track.”

Mr Weir said he was not at liberty to reveal why both incidents are being linked, but it is understood that forensic evidence plays a big part.

The rape victim has now given police an excellent e-fit of the man who assaulted her.

And yesterday, one of the detectives leading the investigation personally made a direct appeal to the rapist.

He said: “If you read this in the Paisley Daily Express, come forward and speak to us.”

And the senior cop said he was confident that a Paisley Daily Express reader knows who the rapist is.

“It could be a husband, partner, boyfriend, or anyone whose behaviour at or around about the time of the attack changed,” he said.

“I would urge readers to contact the police, even if they are reluctant to do so.

“We will handle information sensitively and professionally so as to be able to rule a person in or out.

“It is essential the public help us. This person must be caught.”

Mr Weir also issued a stark warning to women to be extremely careful of their personal safety at all times.

“They shouldn’t expose themselves to risk of harm by travelling in secluded areas or under the cover of darkness,” he said.

And he added: “Two defenceless women have been attacked – they are absolutely victims.

“I am urging the public to help.”

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.

His overall appearance was scruffy. And it is possible he could have changed his hairstyle after the attack.

The woman’s ordeal, which has been described by detectives as “terrible”, began when she stopped her bike on the track to ask a man for directions at about 1pm last Tuesday.

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

But he then pulled her off the bike she was riding and dragged her into bushes, where he attacked and raped her.

The victim 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 rapist, then call 0141 532 5900.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111, where you can pass on information anonymously.