An investigation is under way after a teenage girl was raped at a footpath near Loch Lomond.

The 16-year-old was attacked near a path running along the banks of the River Leven, in Balloch, at around 11pm on Sunday.

Police said the teenager had been with a friend when they met a man who was wearing a Celtic 'bumble bee' football top and black jacket.

All three then headed to a small beach on the banks of the River Leven, close to the Duncan Mills Slipway, and lit a small camp fire.

At around 11pm, the group began heading back along the path towards the car park near to Balloch Bridge when the girl's friend went on ahead of them.

The man then grabbed the teenager and raped her, before taking off on his bike.

The incident was reported to officers on Thursday.

Police are now hunting for the man, who gave his age as being 26 but looked younger.

He is described as white, 5ft 7in, of slim build, with a small sized head and face, freshly shaven and had black hair.

When he left he was wearing cycling clothes - a black short sleeved top with silver logo, grey long-sleeved base layer, black Lycra cycling shorts, black Sondico socks and grey Nike Air Max trainers.

He was carrying a black rucksack and was riding a red mountain bike with either Firefox or Fox on the frame.

Detective inspector Grant Macleod, of Clydebank CID, said: "Obviously this was a shocking attack on the young girl who thankfully, even although it was a few days afterwards, had the courage to report the incident to police.

"The area down to the boatyard is quite a popular wee spot. It's a footpath along the banks of River Leven up towards Loch Lomond and is well used by dog walkers, cyclists and local residents.

"I am sure at that someone will have seen the girls and the man either when they were at the beach or when they left.

"Officers are checking CCTV in the area and are appealing to anyone who may have seen the man on the bike, cycling around the Balloch Bridge or Balloch Train Station and cycle path area, prior to 8pm.

"At that time he would have had on the black jacket and football top. After the attack he just had the cycling gear on, riding his red bike and was carrying a rucksack.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the description of the man or who may have seen him earlier that night wearing the football top."

Anyone with information can contact officers at Clydebank CID via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.