Parent of boy sexually assaulted on campsite saw attacker

An eight-year-old boy has been sexually assaulted in his tent while camping with his family in the Highlands.

Police said a man approached the child between midnight and 01:00 in the early hours of Thursday at the Loch Ness Bay campsite in Drumnadrochit.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 35 to 50 years old, about 5ft 10ins tall and bald.

Extensive inquiries are ongoing, and specialist officers are supporting the boy and his family.

Police Scotland have confirmed the boy was in a tent on his own with his parents in a separate tent next to him.

Det Insp Christopher Macleod said a dedicated team of officers were involved in the investigation and were carrying out inquiries in the local area.

This included reviewing "all available" CCTV footage.

"I would urge anyone who was staying in the Drumnadrochit area to come forward, as any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital," he said.

"Please think back - do you recognise anyone who matches the description of the suspect? Or did you see anyone behaving in a strange manner, giving cause for concern, or loitering in the area?

"I am also keen to hear from anyone who was driving in the area around the time of the incident and may have dashcam footage, or who has seen something suspicious."

He added: "We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.

"This incident will be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

"Please be reassured this is a significant investigation and there will be a large police presence in the area.

"This includes uniformed and plain-clothed officers from the local division. Anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland.

Local councillor David Fraser told BBC Scotland News the attack was "totally shocking" and had "affected the whole community".

He said: "Drumnadrochit is a small highland community on the banks of Loch Ness and things like this don't usually happen here.

"It is a small, close-knit community, we welcome visitors all the time. We are completely shocked that something like this could happen within our village.

"Words cannot describe the impact this event will have had."