A man who raped an 83-year-old woman in her Glenrothes home is still at large, police have confirmed.
A 36-year-old arrested on Friday in connection with the sickening assault has been released without charge and eliminated from officers’ inquiries.
Police have now issued another appeal for information in a bid to catch the person responsible for the “horrendous” crime.
Locals were urged to keep all doors and windows locked after the attack in Meldrum Court at around 5am on Thursday.
It is thought the man broke into the woman’s house and police said while the elderly victim was not physically hurt during her terrifying ordeal, she was left distraught by her experience.
Specialist officers from across Scotland have been brought in to help their Fife colleagues in the hunt and a highly visible police presence will be maintained in the area for the foreseeable future.
Detective Chief Inspector John Anderson of Fife CID said: “A major investigation has continued at pace since this horrendous crime was reported and I am now in a position to confirm that a 36 year old man arrested has been eliminated from our inquiries.
“We are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around Meldrum Court or in the Collydean area of Glenrothes during the early hours of Thursday June 25, and would urge anyone who can help to come forward.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was walking or in a vehicle travelling around the Collydean area of Glenrothes during the early hours of Thursday June 25, who may have seen someone acting suspiciously.
“I would also urge anyone who was in a vehicle with dashcam footage in that area of Glenrothes during that time period to also contact the police.”
DCI Anderson added: “We are committed to identifying the person responsible as quickly as possible and local officers are being supported by specialist colleagues from across the country whilst this major investigation is ongoing.
“We are also continuing to provide support to the woman and her family while the investigation continues.
“Local residents will continue to see a highly visible police presence during this time.
“It is imperative that the local community remains vigilant and they continue to make sure their homes are as secure as possible at all times.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident 0647 of June 25, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
