ORGANISERS of an anti-rape demonstration have warned of more demonstrations to come if action is not taken to ensure the streets are safe.

More than 5000 people are estimated to have taken part in a peaceful protest in Glasgow's southside which circled around the area where a 24-year-old woman was raped last month.

The walk, which began at the Queen's Park gates on Victoria Road at midnight, was organised by two Govanhill residents, Ashley Crossan and Amanda Johnston who were delighted with the turnout saying some travelled from Inverness to show support for the walk.

They said worldwide messages of support came from France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, USA and Australia.

Pink ribbons were tied to the gates of the park and candles were lit at the entrance. Banners and chanting were not allowed but some got around the rules by writing slogans on their chest.

And they have warned that the march "is just the start".

She spoke as the Justice Secretary told MSPs that police have stepped up patrols on the streets of Glasgow following a series of rapes and sex attacks.

Ms Crossan said: "This does not end until our streets are safe. If the authorities who are responsible for our safety don't take action to make our streets safe we will continue to have walks."

They are to write to Police Scotland chief constable Sir Stephen House, deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon and Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson to insist "they provide answers to all our concerns, to assure us all measures will be taken to catch the perpetrators of these vile assaults and to make our streets safe again".

The women organised the These Streets Were Made For Walking demonstration, as a "show of solidarity in support of the victims of rape and a call to action".

The walk came about following four sexual assaults in the city in as many weeks. A fifth attack was reported in Greater Glasgow's Giffnock last week.

The latest attack took place during the early hours of the morning in Merchant City on Sunday. A 24-year-old woman was led into a basement area on Brunswick Street and sexually assaulted.

Police confirmed yesterday that a 22-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident and was due in court today.

Ms Crossan added: "What an incredible night. A perfect and peaceful walk.

"Thank you for the kind messages from all the woman who have experienced sexual violence.

"But most importantly thank you to each and every one of the thousands of people who turned out to walk our streets and the tens of thousands more who supported us online. Thank you for your support, for inspiring us, for confirming our sense of community, for helping restore our confidence, for making us proud of our city, our community and our people and thank you for helping us walk our streets without fear."

Kenny MacAskill said Police Scotland have launched extensive inquiries into the incidents.

Mr MacAskill said: "The sexual assaults that have taken place in the Glasgow area, including the incident last Sunday, are very distressing.

"There has been an increase in both the foot patrols and car patrols, not only in the Govanhill area but indeed elsewhere where incidents have taken place."

Labour MSP for Glasgow Anne McTaggart called for assurances that police patrols would be stepped up, raising her concerns over "backfilling" of officers into civilian roles following the creation of the single police force.

Mr MacAskill said: "I think what is important is that we allow the police to get on with doing their job, to apprehend those that have carried out these appalling acts and bring them to justice.

"I am not going to bandy around statistics, who voted for what, or 1000 extra police officers. I think what we are here to do is to give our support to those who are carrying out the investigation.

"The benefit of Police Scotland is that we do now have a national rape taskforce and major investigation teams in different geographical areas."

Police have been appealing for information over three men who gang-raped a woman in Toryglen last month, as well as a woman who was assaulted while making her way through Glasgow Green in April.

Police released CCTV footage of two men wanted in connection with the May 15 Govanhill attack.

Police Scotland launched a We Can Stop It rape awareness campaign in March.