Have-a-go hero helps probe for city centre rapist

Oct 30 2008 By Frank Hurley

Crime file

POLICE searching for the sadistic rapist of a 21-year-old woman in Glasgow city centre have been helped by a 'have-a-go-hero'.

The brave passer-by intervened to break up the horrific attack in a lane off Wellington Street.

The brute struck after the woman left her friends to use a cash dispenser in Argyle Street.

The attacker, described as Asian, grabbed his victim from behind and dragged her into the close where he raped her. He only fled when the hero stepped in.

Police, who continue to appeal for witnesses, said the vital witness was helping them with their manhunt.

It was about 2am last Saturday morning when the rapist struck.

So far police say he is aged 25 to 30, around 5ft 10in to 6ft, has short black hair and wore black clothes.

Detectives at Stewart Street Police Office are anxious to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident.

Any information can be passed to CID on 532 3036 or by contacting Crimestoppers in complete confidence on 0800 555 111.

A Strathclyde Police spokesman said: "The witness has been traced and is helping us. We continue to examine CCTV footage in the area."

A GUNMAN and his accomplice robbed a security man during his cash in transit duties at an ATM outside Spar on Baldwin Avenue, Knightswood, last Friday.

Both men demanded money and made off in a red van with a five figure sum.

The security guard was not injured but left badly shaken as a result of the incident - no shots were fired.

The robbers are both described as wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

One man is thought to be approximately 5ft 4in, the other 5ft 10in.

A police spokesman said: "Inquiries are at an early stage and we urge anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or may have been in the Baldwin Avenue area to contact detectives at Partick CID on 532 3500 or Crimestoppers."

A BUCK-TOOTHED knifeman is being hunted by police after he stabbed an innocent man.

Police are appealing for information following the serious assault on the 27 year-old man in Glasgow on Monday around 2am.

The victim was walking home from the local snooker hall along Saracen Cross near to the Balmore Bar in Saracen when he was attacked by a man using a knife.

He suffered serious injuries to his abdomen and was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he was treated for his injuries. His condition is described as stable.

The knife man is described as: Male aged 27 to 28, of slim build, prominent front teeth, brown hair and wore a red or burgundy coloured designer styled zipper jacket.

Detective Constable Martin Davies from Maryhill CID said: "This was a violent and unprovoked attack on a young man returning home after a night out.

"There were people outside the Beer Garden at Bardowie Street around the time of the assault and I would ask them and anyone else who may have seen or heard anything which will assist in this inquiry to call my office on 532 3700 or Crimestoppers."