Young boy sexually assaulted at Scots campsite as suspect 'fled the area'
Cops have launched a major manhunt after a predator sexually assaulted a young boy at a Scots campsite before they fled the area.
An eight-year-old boy was preyed on whilst in his tent just yards from where his family had camped up. The sickening attack happened between 12.20am and 1am on Thursday morning at Loch Ness Bay Campsite, Drumnadrochit.
A man approached the child within his tent. Police say he sexually assaulted the boy before leaving the area.
The horror incident happened whilst the boy was on a camping trip with his family. Specialist officers have been drafted in to support the boy and traumatised loved ones.
Detectives are now desperately trying to trace the male suspect who they have described as a white man, aged between 35-50-years-old. He is around 5ft 10ins tall and bald.
Officers swarmed the popular campsite today as they promised extra patrols in an attempt to reassure the local community.
CID have been pouring through CCTV footage and say they are carrying out enquiries in the local area.
Senior detectives have appealed to campers for help and asked anyone who saw something suspicious to get in touch.
They have described their investigation as "significant" into what they say will be a "worrying and upsetting" incident for residents.
A full statement from Police Scotland reads: "Detectives are appealing for information in connection with the sexual assault of an eight-year-old boy in Drumnadrochit.
"Between 12.20am and 1am on Thursday, 31, July, 2025, a man approached the child within his tent at the Loch Ness Bay Campsite. His family were in an adjacent tent.
"He sexually assaulted the boy before leaving the area.
"The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 35 to 50-years-old, around 5ft 10ins tall, and bald.
"Extensive enquiries are ongoing, and specialist officers are supporting the boy and his family.
Detective Inspector Christopher Macleod said: 'This sexual assault was carried out on a young boy, who was camping overnight with his family and it is vital we trace the man responsible as soon as possible.
"A dedicated team of officers are carrying out investigations, including carrying out enquiries in the local area and reviewing all available CCTV footage.
"I would urge anyone who was staying in the Drumnadrochit area to come forward, as any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital.
"Please think back - do you recognise anyone who matches the description of the suspect?
"Or did you see anyone behaving in a strange manner, giving cause for concern, or loitering in the area?
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"I am also keen to hear from anyone who was driving in the area around the time of the incident and may have dashcam footage, or who has seen something suspicious.
"We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.
"This incident will be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.
"Please be reassured this is a significant investigation and there will be a large police presence in the area.
"This includes uniformed and plain-clothed officers from the local division.
"Anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers."
If you have any information, please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0167 of 31 July, 2025. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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