Girl, 14, raped outside Barrhead supermarket Published duration 8 August 2016

image caption Police have been carrying out forensic searches at the scene

A 14-year-old girl has been raped outside a supermarket in Barrhead in East Renfrewshire.

A man- who was wearing a white trilby hat - approached her as she went to collect her bicycle after leaving Asda in the town's Main Street Shopping Centre at about 20:15 on Sunday.

He dragged her into bushes behind a nearby Iceland store.

The suspect was described as white, between 20 and 30 years old, and of medium build.

He also had on a grey zipped top with white striped sleeves, grey jogging-style trousers and grey-coloured trainers. He was carrying an oversized black holdall bag.

An "extensive" investigation has been launched, including a review of CCTV footage and door-to-door inquiries in the local area. Police are understood to be following a "definite line of inquiry".

image caption An area of car park and bushes was cordoned off by police

image caption Detectives said an "extensive" investigation was under way

image caption The girl had been out on her bike before going into Asda in the town

Det Insp Gillian Patrick said it had been a "traumatic experience" for the young girl who had been out cycling before entering the Asda store.

"We know the man was in the shop prior to the incident taking place and I am appealing to anyone who may have been shopping around that time to think about whether they may have seen this man or noticed anything suspicious," she said.

"If you have any information or knowledge about this crime, please talk to officers and pass it on - it could prove vital in helping us trace the man responsible for this attack."

She added: "I'm aware this incident will be of concern to people and I would like to confirm that additional patrols will be in the area to offer reassurance to local people and if anyone has any concerns, please speak to officers."