A MASKED beast sexually assaulted a teenage girl on a cycle path in board daylight.

The 18-year-old was not physically hurt in the attack but was left "very distressed", police say.

He approached her while she was walking on the cycle path between Cairnhill Road and Calderbank Road in Airdrie at around 3.25pm on Tuesday.

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The attacker is described as 20 to 30 years old, five feet and three to four inches tall, of slim build, with dark eyebrows.

He wearing a dark grey to charcoal coloured lightweight puffa jacket, very light or pale grey jogging bottoms which were tucked into his black socks. He was also wearing black trainers and a bright orange snood covering his face.

Detective Sergeant Mark Nelson of CID at Coatbridge Police Station said: “The victim was very upset by the actions of the man.

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“Anyone who has information that will assist this investigation is asked to contact us through 101 quoting reference number 2119 of Tuesday, January 12. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”