A rapist was seen in a town centre three hours before he attacked a woman on a grassy path, according to police.

The 40-year-old victim was subjected to a "terrifying" sex attack in Paisley, Renfrewshire, in the early hours of Sunday.

She was walking along Merksworth Way at around 2.20am when she was approached by a man who pushed her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.

The woman then ran to a nearby house and police were called before she was taken by ambulance to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, where she was treated and has since been released.

Police are continuing their hunt for the sex attacker and say it is believed he was seen in Paisley town centre around three hours before the rape. They are also following several lines of inquiry.

The suspect is described as male, white, 5ft 7in, well-built, with dark spiky hair and is believed to have an eastern European accent.

He was wearing a dark hooded top which he had up, and jeans. He ran off in the direction of the airport after the attack.

Detective inspector Louise Harvie, of Paisley Police Office, said: "Merksworth Way is one of three streets with a grassy area joining them all.

"The lady was cutting across the path in that grassy area when she was attacked by the man.

"She hadn't seen anybody about and just remembers him approaching her and then attacking her."

She added: "Thankfully the woman got help from someone in one of the houses nearby and police were called.

"The area is residential so it's possible that someone may have heard either a disturbance or shouting that was out of the ordinary. Either that or they may have seen the man hanging about the area.

"This was a terrifying attack for the lady to go through. It is vital we catch this man, so if you have any information that you may think will help police with their enquiries, then please contact Paisley Police Office."

The police office can be contacted via 101, or information can given in confidence through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.