Teenager arrested after 75-year-old woman sexually assaulted in her bed by intruder

Elderly victim left 'absolutely traumatised' following attack by intruder in her sheltered home

Elderly woman was asleep in her house in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, when she woke up at around 3.30am on Thursday to find a man in her bedroom (PA)

A teenager has been arrested after an elderly woman was sexually assaulted in her sheltered home.

The 75-year-old was asleep in her house in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, when she woke up at around 3.30am on Thursday to find a man in her bedroom.

She was then subjected to a sexual assault, which left her “absolutely traumatised”, according to police.

A 78-year-old neighbour and his wife were reportedly awoken by the incident after their dog started barking, and spotted the shadow of a man running past their window.

The witness told the Daily Record: “Some young yob had kicked her door in. She said she was in bed and woke up and a man was kissing her on the cheek.

“She thought it was her grandson at first and shouted out his name. He told her he was her grandson and when she questioned him, he said, ‘He’s out here, come and I’ll show you where he is’.

“She was in shock, really upset and shaken up. She’s now staying at her daughter’s house. It’s a bloody shame. You’re in a complex like this and think you’re going to be safe.”

Police Scotland said a 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. He is being held in police custody and is expected to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Colin Campbell said: “This despicable individual has left an elderly woman absolutely traumatised and extensive inquiries are under way to trace him.”