A TEENAGE girl has been raped as she walked home.

The 15-year-old was left traumatised by the attack in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, on Saturday night.

Police Scotland said the victim was in Beechwood Road shortly before midnight when she was approached by two men who started talking to her.

After a short time, one of the men left. The other man then subjected the girl to the serious sex attack.

The suspect is described as white, in his mid to late teens, possibly with blonde spiky hair at the front. He was wearing a black hooded top and, although Scottish, he did not have a Glasgow accent. The other man was also described as white and in his mid to late teens. He was wearing a dark "beanie" hat and a dark T-shirt.

Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson, of Coatbridge CID, said: "I am very keen to trace the man who was with the suspect before the attack.

"I know he may be unaware as to what happened after he left, but I believe he will be able to provide important information which could enable officers to trace the suspect.

"I would also ask anyone who was in the area of Beechwood Road, Cumbernauld, late Saturday evening, and perhaps remembers seeing the girl or the two men walking on that stretch of road to contact police."

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at Coatbridge Police Office on non-emergency number 101.