A 53-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault in Orkney, a police spokesman has said.
Police on the island continue to appeal for information following the alleged assault that happened between 11.30pm on Sunday March 3 and 1am on Monday March 4 in Kirkwall. The attack was on a woman in her 40s.
Extensive inquiries have been ongoing in the Bridge Street and Albert Street areas of Kirkwall, and a 53-year-old man has been arrested, but so far no charges have been made.
Officers are appealing to the public for any information which could assist enquiries.
Detective Inspector Donald Macdonald of the divisional rape investigation unit said: “While the victim in this case was physically uninjured, she has obviously been left very shaken and we are providing her with specialist support.
“I would urge anyone who was in Kirkwall town centre on Sunday night or the early hours of Monday morning to cast their minds back and let us know if you believe you have seen anything suspicious.
“It may well be something which seemed of little consequence at the time but I would ask that you let us make that judgement. It may well be of assistance.
“We have been carrying out significant enquiries to establish the full circumstances, including thorough analysis of available CCTV footage.
“I would like to thank the local community in Kirkwall for their support of these enquiries so far. We are grateful for your understanding and patience as these enquiries continue.”
Inspector Keith Bendall of the local policing team in Orkney added: “Incidents such as this are extremely rare in our islands and it is understandable that there may be some concern in the community.
“I would reassure people that Police Scotland take reports of crime like this extremely seriously and every line of enquiry is being followed up by local and specialist officers to establish the full circumstances.
“I would also reiterate that it is vitally important that anyone with information which could help the investigation comes forward as soon as you possibly can.”
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland by calling 101, quoting reference NK267/19 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to pass information anonymously.
