Ayr woman attacked on busy path

Aug 6 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A YOUNG woman was attacked in broad daylight by a man who tried to drag her into bushes.

And now she has demanded urgent action to clear the overgrown thoroughfare before he strikes again.

The 20-year-old was jumped by a man lurking in bushes as she walked along the path near the Lochside area of Ayr.

The shaken victim told the Post: “I was walking down the path which runs between Lochside and Asda shortly before 10am on Saturday.

“All of a sudden, this man came at me from behind and tried dragging me into the bushes.

“At first I thought it was one of my pals larking around, but I realised he was attacking me when he stayed silent.

“It was terrifying and all I could do was scream. It’s usually a very busy path with lots of people around – but typically there was no-one there when I got attacked.

“I managed to get free after losing one of my trainers and my jacket was ripped. He’d also stolen my cigarettes.

“I don’t want to think what would have happened if I hadn’t got away.”

Lochside residents say they’ve feared an attack like this because of bushes on the path being left to grow and hide potential prowlers.

A friend of the victim revealed: “Something like this would be terrible at any time of the day, but you don’t expect it to happen at 10am.

“It just goes to show how dangerous this path has become and these bushes need to be cut back.

“There are lots of children on the path and it’s used by everyone in Lochside who goes to Asda for their shopping.”

And the victim added: “I wish they’d put something like security cameras on the path.

“I used to feel safe walking around here – but not anymore.

“The guy attacked me for a couple of minutes but it felt like half an hour.”

The suspect is described as wearing a black waterproof jacket with a hood.

Anyone with information should phone DC McIntyre on 01292 664000.

Meanwhile, Ayr MSP John Scott believes action should be taken on the path.

He said: “I am extremely concerned that an attack like this can happen in broad daylight.

“The state of the path gives further cause for concern and that’s why I have spoken to the council to perhaps cut back vegetation in this area for people who walk between Lochside and Asda.”