Visitors to Dronley Woods near Dundee have told of their shock after a woman was sexually assaulted at the popular beauty spot.
The 33-year-old was attacked at 7.15pm on Thursday while exercising in the area, which is just a few miles to the north of the city.
He is also understood to have a scraggly ginger beard.
Residents ‘shocked and surprised’ by attack
The assault has come as a shock to nearby residents and dog walkers who frequent Dronley Woods.
Anne White, 75, has lived just minutes from the woodland for the past 19 years.
She said: “I read about it in the paper and I was very surprised.
“I used to walk in those woods every day for years when I had a dog and I never felt that it was unsafe.
“It is quite a surprise, especially because it happened in daylight.
“I never liked being there in the dark.
“Once in a blue moon you’ll maybe have an incident there but it’s not very common.”
Another nearby resident, Stephen Hay, was also surprised by news of the sexual assault.
He said: “It’s very much a safe area so I really am shocked.
“Occasionally you’ll get reports on Facebook of kids being dropped off there by taxis with crates of beer, but nothing like this.
“I’m just saddened by what’s happened to that woman.”
Dronley Woods visitors undeterred
Despite their horror at the assault, dog walkers at the beauty spot say they won’t be deterred from visiting.
Adam Fleming, who often visits the woods with his dog and young daughter, said: “I’ll probably still come.
“I’ve been visiting for about two and a half years and I’ve always liked it.
“It’s not something I’d expect and it’s a wee bit of a concern but like I said I’ll probably still be visiting.”
Another dog walker, who asked not to be named, added: “There’s usually lots of people around here so it’s a bit of shock to hear what’s happened.
“It doesn’t worry me too much but I’ve got two daughters and I probably wouldn’t want them walking here by themselves.
“Like I say, there’s normally quite a lot of people around here so it is quite shocking.”
Inquiries into the incident are still ongoing and police are now appealing to the public for information.
Detective Inspector Marc Lorente from West Bell Street Police Office in Dundee said: “This incident has left the woman shaken, but thankfully physically unharmed.
“We are keen to hear from anyone in the area at the time who may have seen the suspect, to get in touch.”
Those with information on the assault have been asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 3492 of June 16 2022.
