Police have stepped up patrols after a 13-year-old boy was indecently assaulted in Templeton Woods.
The boy was cycling on the green trail near the rangers’ station when he was approached by a man who then indecently assaulted him.
A police spokeswoman said the boy was “shaken, but unhurt” by the incident and there would be increased patrols in the area to provide public reassurance.
The incident occurred in Templeton Woods between 5pm and 5.30pm on Monday and police say they are keen to speak to a man, believed to be in his thirties, who was walking a black and white bulldog and may have either witnessed the incident or be able to provide information to catch the attacker.
Other dog walkers in the area expressed their shock at Monday’s incident.
Steph Dolan, 22, a full-time mother from St Mary’s, said: “It’s terrible. This is a good place to walk the dog but I don’t come here on my own or later in the day because of the history.”
Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 or speak to a police officer. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Although a popular destination with dog walkers, Templeton Woods has an infamous reputation since the bodies of 18-year-old Carol Lannen and 20-year-old Elizabeth McCabe were found dumped there in 1979 and 1980 respectively.