Police are appealing for help to snare a sex beast who raped a 16-year-old girl in Linwood.

The victim had been at a house party in Atholl Place in the early hours of New Year’s Day before heading outside with a friend.

After her pal left, she was approached by two young men and, in the moments that followed, one of them subjected her to a serious sexual assault.

Detective Inspector Ian Ross, from the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit based in Paisley, told The Gazette: “Prior to the incident, the victim had been bringing in the New Year at a house party with her friends, all of whom were inside when it happened.

“She has been left traumatised by the ordeal and it is absolutely vital that we trace the despicable individual responsible.

“Many residents in Atholl Place will have still been awake, celebrating the start of 2018, at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious to please get in touch.

“I would also appeal directly to the companion of the young man involved to come forward and report what he knows to the police.

"The victim has been through a horrendous experience which she will have to live with for the rest of her life. The person responsible has no place in our community and must be arrested as soon as possible."

Both of the men who approached the teenager spoke with local accents.

One was wearing a green/blue hooded top with what appeared to be a camouflage design, while the other wore a dark jacket and a light blue polo top.

Det Insp Ross said "extensive enquiries" are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.

He added: “Whilst concerning, I would like to reassure the local community that this is an isolated incident and our specialist officers will do everything they can to find the perpetrator and bring him to justice."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit via 101, quoting incident number 2011 of January 7. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where details can be given in confidence.