Man held over rape of 83-year-old woman eliminated from inquiry

A man who was arrested over the rape of an 83-year-old woman in Glenrothes has been released without charge - and eliminated from the inquiry.

The woman was attacked at around 5am on Thursday in a property on Meldrum Court.

Police are now renewing their appeal for information over the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector John Anderson of Fife CID said: "A major investigation has continued at pace since this horrendous crime was reported and I am now in a position to confirm that a 36-year-old man arrested has been eliminated from our inquiries.

"We are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around Meldrum Court or in the Collydean area of Glenrothes during the early hours of Thursday and would urge anyone who can help to come forward.

"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was walking or in a vehicle travelling around the Collydean area of Glenrothes during the early hours of Thursday who may have seen someone acting suspiciously. I would also urge anyone who was in a vehicle with dashcam footage in that area of Glenrothes during that time period to also contact the police."

He added: "We are committed to identifying the person responsible as quickly as possible and local officers are being supported by specialist colleagues from across the country whilst this major investigation is ongoing.

"We are also continuing to provide support to the woman and her family while the investigation continues.

"Local residents will continue to see a highly visible police presence during this time. It is imperative that the local community remain vigilant and they continue to make sure their homes are as secure as possible at all times."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident 0647 of June 25, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.