Glasgow rape unit set up after series of attacks Published duration 20 March 2011

A dedicated rape investigation unit has been set up in Scotland's biggest city, following a string of attacks on women in the past three months.

The unit will comprise 10 specialist officers, led by a detective inspector.

Strathclyde Police said 100 officers were patrolling the streets in Glasgow city centre on Friday and Saturday nights in the wake of recent attacks.

Det Ch Insp David Halliday told a newspaper he was "100%" certain there is not a serial attacker in the city.

The detective called for calm and said police were working hard to trace the attackers.

Taxi drivers and door stewards were also being asked to keep an eye out for lone women who may need help.

Busiest streets

In the latest incident, on Thursday 10 February, a 23-year-old was raped in Gibson Street, a student area in the west end of the city, when she was making her way home from a nightclub.

About three weeks earlier, a 43-year-old woman was attacked in Wilton Crescent Lane, again in the west end of the city.

Last month, a 38-year-old woman was allegedly raped in the city centre's Renfrew Lane. Two teenagers, aged 14 and 16, have been arrested in connection with the attack.