Woman left ‘extremely shaken’ by early-morning sexual assault in Stevenston, North Ayrshire

Police are hunting for a man who sexually assaulted a woman in North Ayrshire.

The woman was attacked as she was walking near Millhill Road, known locally as Mill Dam, in Stevenston at around 5.45am on Saturday morning.

Detectives say the man tried to engage the woman in conversation before sexually assaulting her and then running off towards Stevenston Cross.

He’s described as white, aged 20-30, 5ft 7in tall, of skinny build, with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey joggers style tracksuit and white trainers.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward and CCTV or dashcam footage of the area at the time.

Detective sergeant Andrea Templeton from Saltcoats CID said: “It’s vital we trace the person responsible for this incident, which has left the woman extremely shaken by what happened.

“Officers are carrying out regular patrols of the area and I’d like to reassure the public everything possible is being done.

“I’m appealing to anyone who was in the Mill Dam area around the time, saw what happened or saw someone matching the man’s description to get in touch.

“Similarly, if you live in the area and have CCTV or doorbell footage, please review this and bring anything of significance to our attention. Drivers with dashcams are also asked to do the same.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0988 of 9 September, 2023. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.