Woman, 21, in 'horrendous' attack in Irvine

A 21-year-old woman was indecently assaulted in a "horrendous attack" as she returned home from a night out in Ayrshire, police have said.

The woman got off a train at Irvine station just before midnight on Friday and walked down Waterside Street.

She was grabbed from behind as she passed a grassy area, known locally as Low Green, and subjected to an indecent assault.

The suspect also stole the woman's handbag before running off.

Police said the woman was "extremely upset and traumatised" by the ordeal.

The suspect is described as white, aged between 30 and 40, with short brown, spiky hair and glasses.

He was wearing a green jacket, which may have been military in style, and green camouflage trousers.

The man was also described as smelling of cigarette smoke.

Police are studying CCTV footage from the area.

Det Insp John Hogg said: "We are determined to trace this man and are in the process of gathering as much information as possible and viewing CCTV images.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the man or who may know anything about the attack to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency."