Cops continue hunt for campsite predator after eight-year-old boy sexually assaulted in tent
An eight-year-old boy was preyed on while in his tent just yards from where his family had camped up.
A manhunt is continuing today after a predator sexually assaulted a young boy at a campsite before fleeing the area.
An eight-year-old boy was preyed on while in his tent just yards from where his family had camped up. The sickening attack happened at Loch Ness Bay Campsite in Drumnadrochit between 12.20am and 1am on Thursday, July 31.
Officers from Police Scotland say a man approached the child within his tent before sexually assaulting him and leaving the area. The horror incident happened while the boy was on a camping trip with his family.
Specialist officers have been drafted in to support the boy and traumatised loved ones. Police have now organised a press conference this afternoon as the search for the predator continues.
The media will speak to Superintendent Judy Hill and Detective Superintendent Calum Smith at Inverness Police Station at 2pm on Friday.
Detectives are desperately trying to trace the male suspect who they have described as a white man, aged between 35-50-years-old. He is around 5ft 10ins tall and bald. Officers swarmed the popular campsite on Thursday as they promised extra patrols in an attempt to reassure the local community.
Police have been pouring through CCTV footage and say they are carrying out enquiries in the local area. Senior detectives have appealed to campers for help and asked anyone who saw something suspicious to get in touch.
They have described their investigation as "significant" into what they say will be a "worrying and upsetting" incident for residents.
Detective Inspector Christopher Macleod said: “This sexual assault was carried out on a young boy, who was camping overnight with his family and it is vital we trace the man responsible as soon as possible. A dedicated team of officers are carrying out investigations, including carrying out enquiries in the local area and reviewing all available CCTV footage.
"I would urge anyone who was staying in the Drumnadrochit area to come forward, as any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital. Please think back - do you recognise anyone who matches the description of the suspect? Or did you see anyone behaving in a strange manner, giving cause for concern, or loitering in the area?
"I am also keen to hear from anyone who was driving in the area around the time of the incident and may have dashcam footage, or who has seen something suspicious. We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.
"This incident will be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us. Please be reassured this is a significant investigation and there will be a large police presence in the area.
"This includes uniformed and plain-clothed officers from the local division. Anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers."