A young woman has been raped on a footpath outside a village primary school.

The attacker struck the victim, causing her to fall to the ground in the attack in Elderslie, Renfrewshire, on Monday night.

Police launched a major manhunt for the sex attacker after the 27-year-old was targeted around 8pm.

Officers sealed off the area between Byres Road and Glenmalloch Place just outside Wallace Primary School as they scour the area for clues.

Detective Inspector Louise Harvie said: "This area is well used by local people as a shortcut to nearby shops on Main Street, it is also a popular spot for dog walkers.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have been in or near to the area yesterday evening, perhaps you saw someone acting a little suspiciously, maybe you saw someone running off, any piece of information could assist our enquiries and I would urge you to contact us."

"This incident will no doubt be of concern to local residents, however I would like to reassure them that additional officers are patrolling the area and anyone with any concerns should have no hesitation in speaking to them."

The rapist is described as aged between 35 and 50 years old, with receding dark hair. He was of medium to stocky build, appeared clean shaven and was wearing dark bottoms with a light T-shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101.