A MAN who raped a 14-year-old girl after she left a supermarket is being hunted by police.
Detectives have stepped up patrols after the teenager was targeted near Asda in Main Street Shopping Centre in Barrhead.
The incident happened on Sunday at around 8.15pm.
The young girl had just left the store and was collecting her bike when a man approached her and forced her into nearby bushes and raped her.
Police said the man had been in the store prior to the attack and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
He was wearing a white trilby style hat, a grey zipped top with white striped sleeves, grey jogging style trousers and grey coloured trainers. He was also carrying an oversized black holdall bag.
Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out extensive door-to-door inquiries in a bid to trace her attacker.
Detective Inspector Gillian Patrick said:“This was a particularly traumatic experience for the young girl concerned, who had been out in the local area before being attacked.
"I would like to reassure the local community that we are continuing extensive enquiries into this incident.
"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.
"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 any information is asked to contact Detectives at Saracen Police Office on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
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