Witness appeal over Stonehaven A90 New Year assault

Police have appealed for information over a serious sexual assault, one year after it took place in Aberdeenshire.

A 33-year-old woman was attacked after accepting a lift from Stonehaven where she had been watching the Fireballs Hogmanay event.

The assault took place in a lay-by on the A90 between Stonehaven and Portlethen between 01:00 and 03:00 on 1 January 2013.

Images of a man police want to speak to have been re-issued.

The woman's ordeal began after she got into a silver or grey five-door hatchback car in Allardice Street, Stonehaven.

Officers want to speak to the man she left with.

He was described as being in his 50s, and was wearing a red hat and a long, dark waterproof coat.

The centre of Stonehaven would have been busy with people attending the traditional Fireballs ceremony, which takes place in the town to mark the new year.

Det Insp Graeme Mackie said: "An image of a man who police were keen to speak to was previously released and we would again appeal for this person or any witnesses to come forward."