A YOUNG woman was raped during a "horrendous" attack while she walked home.

 

The 20-year-old was pounced on from behind and dragged into a woods as she made her way home from Uddingston Train Station on Tuesday night.

Police now say it is "critical" to trace the man responsible.

Detective Inspector Tom Carty, of the Specialist Crime Division, is appealing for information.

He said: "This was a horrendous ordeal for a young woman to have to experience and it is critical that we trace this man as soon as possible.

"I would like to reassure the community that our officers are doing everything they can to find the person responsible."

The woman was attacked around 10.15pm on Tuesday night when the man grabbed her and forced her into a wooded area close to Castle Gate.

It is not known in what direction the man ran off but he is described as white with red hair and a red beard.

He is also said to be betwwen 30 and 50 years old, 5ft 9in in height and wearing dark clothing with a hood.

Officers are now trawling CCTV footage for clues and carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

Mr Carty added: "Incidents like this are extremely rare particularly in this area. However, we need help from members of the public who may have vital information to assist with the investigation.

"We are looking to speak to anyone who was in the area of Uddingston Train Station, Main Street, Castle Avenue and Castle Gate between 9.15pm and 10.30 hours on Tuesday.

"I would urge anyone who was in the surrounding area around that time who may have seen a man matching this description to contact police immediately.

"If you have any information which can help trace the man responsible, we ask that you get in contact."

Anyone with information can contact officers at Motherwell Police Office on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.