A police probe has been launched after a woman was reportedly seriously sexually assaulted near a historic Scots castle.
Emergency services were called to the scene close to the Clyde Walkway in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, on Wednesday.
Officers sealed off woodlands by Bothwell Castle as they combed the area for clues following the alleged serious sexual assault.
The beauty spot is popular with walkers and cyclists and had seen an upsurge of visitors during lockdown.
Police have confirmed a serious sexual assault was reported to them on Wednesday and their enquiries are ongoing.
Walkers have told how they encountered officers guarding the area where the attack is believed to have taken place.
One said: "I was walking with my partner along the Clyde towards the castle from Bothwell when I encountered the police.
"There were four officers and the area around them had been sealed off with police tape.
"There were lights on the ground which indicated to me that a search had been taking place during the night.
"The police were walking around the woodlands and seemed to be searching for something.
"I asked what had been going on but they said they couldn't say anything.
"It's really scary that something as serious as this has been reported.
"The area is very popular with people getting out and about during lockdown but is quite isolated.
"A lot of women will go there on their own to walk dogs or just get some fresh air.
"This will really send shockwaves around the local community."
Police Scotland said: "An investigation is under way following a report of a serious sexual assault of a woman in the Bothwell area, near to the Clyde Walkway on Wednesday 20 May 2020.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
Bothwell Castle is the largest 13th century stone castle in Scotland.
