A WOMAN was sexually assaulted by a man in a wooded area of Barrhead at the weekend.

Police officers are now investigating the sexual assault which took place sometime between 10pm on Friday and 10pm on Saturday.

The 57-year-old woman was targeted and sexually assaulted in a wooded area between Main Street and Cross Arthurlie Street.

The woman, although not physically injured, was left very badly shaken.

The suspect is described as being tall, well built, and had a beard and it is not known in what direction he made off.

Detective Inspector Graeme McLachlan at Greater Glasgow Public Protection Unit is appealing for information.

He said: “This was obviously a very traumatic incident for anyone to endure and as such I urge anyone who can provide information that could assist our investigation to contact police immediately.

“Did you see this man hanging around the area over the weekend or see him following a woman into the wooded area between Main Street and Cross Arthurlie Street?”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Greater Glasgow Public Protection Unit via 101 or alternately CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.