Horrific park rape sparks safety fears
ACOMMUNITY has called for greater protection following alarm about the horrific rape of a young girl in a park.
Fears were growing after it emerged that a girl, 16 was seriously sexually assaulted in Dawsholm Park on Monday.
Councillor John Letford has called for an increased police presence in and around the park, which borders Temple, Maryhill and Bearsden to reassure locals concerned for their safety.
He said: “This has shocked the wider community and is a very concerning crime. The park is well used by dog walkers, cyclists and those exercising and I would encourage anyone who was in the park on Monday night to contact the police.
“We all need our parks during this extended lockdown, so for this to happen is deeply worrying. Women and girls should be confident in using our parks, without having to worry about their physical safety. The perpetrator should hand himself into the police, and the police should increase their presence locally to offer reassurance.
“Any woman who is subjected to violence or concerned about their safety should contact the police or
Women’s Aid. My thoughts and concerns are for the woman.”
Councillor Jane Morgan said: “Rape or attempted rape is horrific for a victim, leaving lasting impact. It also engenders fear in the community.
“I hope the police find the perpetrator.”
Ms Morgan also encouraged people who had experienced sexual assault or rape to contact Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis.
Police are investigating the incident and say they will increase police presence and deploy additional patrols in and around Dawsholm Park. The incident occurred a short distance from the entrance at Ilay Court at 8.10pm on Monday.
A police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland are carrying out inquiries after a 16-year-old woman was seriously sexually assaulted at Dawsholm Park in a wooded area a short distance from the entrance at Ilay Court in Glasgow at 8.10pm on Monday, June 1.
“Anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident is asked to contact officers on 101 quoting 4107 of June 1.”
This has shocked the wider community