A COMMUNITY has been left shocked after a woman was dragged up a close and gang raped.

Police have launched a massive hunt for the three men who carried out the horrific assault in Glasgow's South Side.

And they say residents could hold vital clues about the attackers.

The assault by three men on the 33-year-old happened in Toryglen's Edinbeg Avenue.

It is understood the woman had been visiting friends when she was targeted.

Locals say they are now living in fear and police have appealed for their help in hunting down the rapists.

Southside Central councillor Mhairi Hunter said: "This is obviously a horrific incident and extremely worrying for local people.

"I would urge anyone who knows anything to get in touch with police.

"This is not the kind of place you would expect this to happen.

"It's a quiet area."

Patrols have been stepped up in the area in a bid to allay public fears.

One woman who lives nearby, said: "We never get any trouble here. It's usually so quiet."

Police said the attack happened after one man got out of a car, which was possibly a white or silver BMW, and forced the woman into a doorway.

Two other men - who the victim believes were also in the vehicle - then also attacked her.

The incident happened between midnight and 3am on Saturday.

The gang made off and the victim managed to make her way home.

She raised the alarm the following day.

Detectives said that the victim has been left "extremely distressed" by her ordeal and is being supported by her family and specially trained officers.

The three suspects are described as Asian and in their 20s.

They were all wearing dark clothing at the time of the attack.

Officers are now carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the area.

Chief Inspector Carol McGuire said: "People may have heard something that they didn't think was important at the time.

"However, I would now ask them to come forward and contact police.

"I would like to reassure the public that we have and will continue to have extra uniform patrols in the area.

"A crime of this nature is rare in what is a tight-knit community."

Meanwhile, in Edinbeg Avenue - just yards from Cathcart Police Station in Aikenhead Road - a major police operation was under way.

Uniformed officers guarded the entrances of two closes in the street.

Forensic officers in white suits could be seen carrying out investigations in the building where the attack took place.

Shocked neighbours looked on as the quiet residential street became a hub of police activity.

Police cordoned off the area immediately outside the flat where the incident happened.

It stretched across two properties and was attached to a gate close to where the victim was attacked.

Officers also appealed to anyone who may have been passing through the area at the time of the rape to get in touch.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact London Road Police Office on 101.

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk