Schoolgirl aged 14 raped outside Asda in East Stirlingshire town of Barrhead

Police in Scotland are appealing for information after a 14-year-old schoolgirl was reportedly raped by another shopper as she left a local supermarket after a bike ride. The girl had just left Asda in Barrhead, East Stirlingshire at around 20.15 BST on Sunday (7 August) and was going to retrieve her bike before cycling home when the man pounced, dragging her into bushes at the back of a nearby Iceland and committing an assault before escaping.

The suspect is described as white, between 20 and 30 years old, of medium build, wearing a white trilby-style hat, grey zipped top with white striped sleeves, grey jogging-style trousers and grey-coloured trainers. He was also carrying an oversized black holdall bag, according to the local news website Barrhead News.

Detective Inspector Gillian Patrick of Police Scotland said the man had been in the shop before the attack took place and are reviewing CCTV footage as well as going door-to-door. "We know the man was in the shop prior to the incident taking place and I am appealing to anyone who may have been shopping around that time to think about whether they may have seen this man or noticed anything suspicious."

Inspector Patrick continued: "If you have any information or knowledge about this crime, please talk to officers and pass it on - it could prove vital in helping us trace the man responsible for this attack. I'm aware this incident will be of concern to people and I would like to confirm that additional patrols will be in the area to offer reassurance to local people and if anyone has any concerns, please speak to officers."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives at Saracen Police Office on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.