Police hunt campsite sex beast who attacked boy, 8

Victim's father spotted offender escaping scene - young child is left 'traumatised' by assault

- By Richard Elias

A SEX offender who targeted a young boy as he slept alone in a tent was spotted fleeing the scene by the victim's father, police have revealed.

The horrific attack occurred at a campsite in the Highlands and there is now a UK-wide appeal to help trace the perpetrator.

The brazen offender carried out the assault at the Loch Ness Bay campsite near Drumnadrochit between 12.20 and 1am on Thursday, despite the boy's parents being in an adjacent tent.

The offender is described as white, aged 30 to 50, about 5ft 10in and bald on top.

Due to the popularity of the area, police are appealing to anyone who may have visited recently to see if the description of the man rings a bell.

Yesterday, the officer leading the investigation described the eight-year-old child as being "traumatised" by the incident.

Detective Superintendent Calum Smith also revealed the father even spoke to the suspect as he fled. It has not been disclosed what was said between the pair.