Police Scotland has admitted it “regrets” waiting more than 48 hours to warn Broughty Ferry residents of an alleged sexual assault.
Officers were called to Orchar Park on Monifieth Road in the early hours of Saturday morning and were seen scouring at least three areas of forensic interest behind a police cordon.
The force has been urged to explain why it took more than two days to reveal the nature of the incident while local people continued to use the park unaware that a serious sexual assault had allegedly taken place.
A 27-year-old man has now been arrested in connection with the incident but local councillors have questioned whether police could have done more to keep the community informed.
One woman, who asked not to be named, regularly walks her dog in the park in the late or early hours and it said was “scary” to know she had used it again without being aware of what had taken place.
“I walk my dogs there every day in the dark because there is no lighting in the park or any of the nearby grassy areas,” she said.
“I would really have appreciated knowing if I should reconsider following this incident – I understand that police cannot give out all of the information but it was really concerning to learn why they were there.”
Another resident claimed “loads” of people had been left too scared to use the park at all after false speculation of a murder spread throughout the local area.
Tayside Division’s Operations Superintendent Andrew Todd said: “It has been brought our attention that concerns within the local community regarding this matter may have been unnecessarily raised due to the limited information which was released initially.
“Although we did make it absolutely clear in our initial statement that there was no wider risk or threat to the public, we do understand that speculation was a consequence and we regret any anxiety for local residents.”
The statement, which was only read out to members of the press upon request, said the force was “dealing with an incident” but failed to specify its nature or whether witnesses were being sought.
The Courier understands a number of community leaders reached out to police in Tayside to demand an explanation and urge bosses to look at how the case was handled.
Broughty Ferry councillor Philip Scott said he could understand why people living around the area may have felt concerned.
“I spoke to Chief Inspector Nicky Russell on Monday and certainly, I will be writing to her again to ask why it took 48 hours to get the word out,” he said.
“I’m sure police learn lessons every time something like this happens but with the tents and forensic team at the scene, I don’t think it was appropriate to leave people to worry.”
Cllr Scott also confirmed he would be looking at whether improved lighting could be installed around the park – although he conceded budget constraints could be an issue.
