Angus pubs, clubs and taxi firms have been urged to help keep vulnerable women safe following an alleged sexual assault.
The appeal came as police announced they have charged a man in connection with an alleged attack on a 21-year-old woman in an Arbroath railway underpass on Sunday morning.
Arbroath publican Simone Lavery was so upset that she has resolved to help prevent another occurrence.
Ahead of the Sea Fest, which attracts thousands of people to the town, her plea for lost and vulnerable women to “make your way to us” has been seen by more than 200,000 people on social media.
Simone, manager at the Anchor Bar and chairwoman of the town’s Pubwatch scheme, said businesses in the town were stunned by reports following intense police activity at the weekend.
“It’s not until something like this happens that we take stock of how to keep ourselves safe,” she said. “Police do a fantastic job but they are stretched to the max this weekend.
“If any business and pub out there can do their little bit, and it helps one person, then it’s worth it.”
Police said the alleged attack took place between 2.30 and 5am on Sunday, and detectives announced they had made an arrest on Friday.
Detective Chief Inspector Bobby Dow, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to thank the public and local community for their assistance throughout this investigation.”
Martial arts instructor Simone, 35, trains under sensei Jason Aston of Top Marks on Lindsay Street, and teaches children and adults.
She said alcohol can make people become “complacent” about their surroundings and company, particularly those who may be visiting from out of town.
“We’ve got the Sea Fest weekend coming up and thousands of visitors from out of town enjoy the pubs and the nightlife Arbroath has to offer,” she added.
“But we have a lot of people out all day and weekend, and I’d like to think that if there’s one person from Montrose who loses her purse and her friends, we can help them get home.
“Any female who finds herself detached from her group of friends, has lost her purse and is distressed, please, make your way to us.”