Woman sexually assaulted by man then robbed of purse by woman on Riverside footpath in Nairn

Police have increased patrols in a Highland town after a woman was sexually assaulted by a man then robbed by a woman on a footpath.

The incident took place at around 2.30pm on Monday, when the 39-year-old was approached by the pair on the Riverside footpath between Church Road and Jubilee Bridge in Nairn.

She was sexually assaulted by the man and the woman stole her purse. The woman is now being supported by specialist officers.

A dedicated team of detectives have now launched an investigation into the incident, and police are appealing for anyone with any information on the suspects to come forward.

The man is in his late 20 to early 30s, around 5ft 10in tall, with dark hair and shaved side burn, and he was wearing a dark hooded jacket, black gloves and a baseball cap.

The female is described as being in her late 20s to early 30s, around 5ft 4in tall, with long dark shoulder length hair and she was wearing a black jacket and had a nose stud.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 2059 of Monday, February 17, 2025.

Detective inspector Andy Bilton said: “This was a very distressing incident for the woman and she is being supported by specialist officers.

“We understand this will cause concern for the local community, but please be assured we are doing everything we can to identify the man and woman responsible.

“A dedicated team of detectives, with support from the local policing team, are carrying out extensive enquiries, including reviewing CCTV and carrying out door to door enquiries. Officers will remain in the area while we carry out our investigations.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area around the time and may have seen anything suspicious to contact us. Please think back, did you see anyone in the area matching the descriptions?

“I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with officers.

“We are also keen to speak to anyone with private CCTV, door bell footage, as well as any motorists, who may have dashcam footage.”

Chief inspector Donna Allan, local area commander said: “We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone who has spoken to officers for their help so far.

“This incident will be worrying for the people living here and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

“There will be increased police patrols in the area and I would ask anyone with any concerns, or any information, to approach these officers.

“I am confident that key information in this investigation lies within the local community and I know residents will want to help.

“If you have any information or knowledge about this incident, please talk to officers and pass it on.”