The 19-year-old was walking in Glasgow's Lilybank Gardens near Ashton Lane when her attacker dragged her into a stairwell and raped her.

She had been at Queen Margaret Union in Glasgow University and was just near her home when she was targeted.

The teenager had been at the union from Friday night into the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police have stepped up patrols in the West End in a bid to reassure the public by increasing the number of officers on the streets.

Detectives leading the hunt for the rapist urged women in the area to be vigilant while the attacker is at large.

As reported in last night's Evening Times, police believe late-night revellers may hold the key to catching the cluprit.

The local community has been left in shock after the attack, at around 2am on Saturday, but police have stressed the attack was an "isolated incident".

Detective Inspector Alan Brown of Partick police station said the sex attack has been "a very traumatic experience" for the victim.

He appealed for people in the area who saw or heard anything to contact the police.

The attacker is white, slim, with a clear, pale complexion and a local accent. He is around 5ft 8in tall and in his early to mid-20s, with short, light-coloured hair.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said: "Patrols have been increased in the area, however, we believe this is an isolated incident.

"Initial indications suggest that this was a random incident.

"The area would have been busy at the time of the incident as students were celebrating finishing their exams and we would ask anyone with any information to get in touch."

Meanwhile, Glasgow University's Student Representative Council has released information to remind "how to stay safe while socialising at night."

Anyone with any information should call 0141 532 3500.

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk

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