By Cara Dodson

POLICE IN St Andrews have issued more information about the sex attacker who raped an 18-year-old girl in Woodburn Park on Monday night.

The opportunist attack took place around midnight after the assailant initially engaged his victim in conversation in Lambert Drive then followed her to the park where he once again spoke to her before the attack took place.

Police have said notable during the conversations started by him was his unusual use of the word “darling” as he spoke to his victim.

The girl, who is recovering at home with her family, describes her attacker as being in his 20s, about 5’8” tall, slim build with short dark hair. He was wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt which had a collar that was different in colour to the shirt and dark coloured jeans. He may have had an English accent but this is by no means certain.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Ken Chatham, appealed for help from the community to trace the assailant.

He said, “This was an isolated opportunist attack on a lone female in an area where crimes of this nature are rare indeed.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the person responsible exploited the vulnerability of the victim in an area that was unfamiliar to her.

“At this stage I am focusing my inquiries locally and would ask people to consider the description provided by the victim as well as any unexplained change in the behaviour of male friends, relatives or acquaintances since the attack took place, reporting any suspicions they may have to us.”

On Tuesday it was revealed the young victim was also carrying a small, black leather handbag with carry handles at the time of the attack.

The girl’s handbag and contents, including a Motorola mobile phone, have yet to be discovered and police want locals to check their gardens and refuse bins for the items.

Police are anxious to speak to residents who live near the park and who may have seen a man hanging around.

Anyone who may recognise the description of the attacker or who may have any information is urged to contact Fife police on 01592 251111 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.