Patrols stepped up after more forest trail 'stalkings' reported

Police are investigating two “suspicious incidents” after stepping up patrols in the Forth Valley following reports of a man chasing people along forest trails.

It comes after a number of women reported being stalked near Aberfoyle.

Forth Valley Police deployed officers to Queen Elizabeth Forest Park in the Loch Ard area after the latest incident on Sunday, December 12.

Two 'suspicious incidents' have been reported in Callander. — Two ‘suspicious incidents’ have been reported in Callander. STV News

Since then, the force has received multiple reports of “suspicious incidents” on the cycle track between Craigard Road and Ancaster Road in Callander around 9.45pm on Friday, December 17, and at Kelty Bridge at around 8.30pm the same night.

Police said there was nothing to suggest they were linked but urged anyone who may have experienced similar incidents to come forward.

In the December 12 incident, a woman was out running a trail in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, a route she had taken before, when a man stepped out into her path.

Lochan Spling near Aberfoyle. STV NewsGoogle Maps

The man chased her before she ran into the tree line and hid then ran towards her again when she emerged before she was able to evade him again.

The victim told STV News: “It felt like he wanted to frighten me.”

This followed a similar incident in late October.

Women in Aberfoyle have responded by organising a self-defense class and a group for runners and walkers so nobody has to go out alone.

One of the organisers told STV News: “We local women regularly walk, run and cycle alone on the forestry tracks and always felt safe until now.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Although there is nothing to suggest that these incidents are linked, enquiries are ongoing to establish whether any criminality has taken place and officers would like to speak to anyone who has concerns or has experienced any similar incidents

“Anyone with any information should contact police via 101, quoting incident number 1241 of December 18, 2021.”