Suspected sexual assault on young girl in Arbroath

A major police operation has been taking place in Arbroath after a suspected serious sexual assault on a young girl.

Police have revealed little detail of the activity which led to part of the town being cordoned off throughout Thursday evening and Friday.

The inquiry centres on an area close to the Brothock Burn near Dens Road, where a prominent police presence was still visible on Friday afternoon.

Residents close to that area said officers arrived at the scene around 6pm on Thursday and cordoned off a large patch of grass in the area behind the Furniture Recycling Project on Wardmill Road.

Occupants of the flats on the nearby Strathairlie Avenue said police vans and an unmarked police car arrived on their street around the same time.

One occupant, who asked not to be named, said: “The police were here for hours and they had sniffer dogs with them.”

A police spokeswoman confirmed that the force was investigating the situation but could provide no further details.

She said: “Officers are making inquiries into an alleged incident in Arbroath yesterday. Those inquiries are at an early stage and we are not in a position to provide any further information at this time.”