Woman Attacked While Smoking Outside Home

6 February 2017, 14:09 | Updated: 6 February 2017, 14:14

Police are hunting a man who indecently assaulted a woman while she was standing outside her home smoking a cigarette.

The 26-year-old was pulled to the ground in the attack at about 12.40am on Sunday, but the man fled when she started to scream.

Police Scotland said the woman was slightly injured and left in a state of shock after the incident in Calder Street, Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

Detective Constable Steven Scullion said: "Extensive inquiries are ongoing to trace the man responsible for this assault. We will not allow for local residents to feel unsafe in their own community.''

The attacker is aged in his 30s has a medium build with black hair and may be of Eastern European origin. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a grey hooded top and dark trousers.

Mr Scullion said: "We do believe this is an isolated incident and we have had no further similar reports. We are still assessing opportunities to capture CCTV from public and private spaces and have been conducting a number of door to door inquiries in the area.

"At this time, we are appealing to any passing motorists or residents who may have noticed a man acting suspiciously around the area in the early hours of Sunday morning.

"You may have also heard the disturbance or witnessed a man running from Calder Street following the incident. No matter how insignificant you believe the information you have may be, it could greatly assist our ongoing investigation.''

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Coatbridge CID via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.