Police officers have launched an urgent manhunt after an eight-year-old boy was sexually assaulted at a campground.
The schoolboy was camping with his family at Loch Ness when the incident occurred.
It is understood a man approached the boy in his tent at Loch Ness Bay Campsite in Drumnadrochit, Inverness-shire, between midnight and 1am this morning.
The boy’s family is believed to have been in an adjacent tent at the time of the incident.
The perpetrator has been described as a bald white man, around 5ft 10ins, aged between 40 and 50 years old.
Detective Inspector Christopher Macleod said: “This sexual assault was carried out on a young boy, who was camping overnight with his family and it is vital we trace the man responsible as soon as possible.
“A dedicated team of officers are carrying out investigations, including carrying out enquiries in the local area and 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.
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The site is popular amongst tourists as it sits just a stone’s throw from the Loch
“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.
“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.”
Inquiries into the incident remain ongoing and specialist officers are understood to be supporting the boy and his family.
A significant police presence will remain at the popular campsite while an investigation is underway.