Police yesterday stepped up the hunt for a gang of four men who raped a 30-year-old woman who was out walking her dog.

As detectives continued their inquiries into tracking down the attackers, who are all described as being of Afro-Caribbean appearance, they warned women to be vigilant and take extra care in the area.

The victim was with her labrador in Yorkhill, Glasgow, at around 12.40am on Wednesday when she was pushed to the ground and held down by two men while another man raped her.

She was then raped by each of the other three men in the group.

The men, who struck while the woman was walking in Overnewton Street close to Overnewton Square, then ran off towards Lumsden Street.

The woman, who was seen by a police doctor, did not require hospital treatment, but detectives said she was "traumatised" after the "extremely frightening" ordeal.

Police immediately cordoned off the area, which is home to students, families and pensioners, and police patrols have also been increased to reassure the local community.

However, many said yesterday that they were increasingly concerned about safety in light of the attack.

Clare Acheson, 25, a teacher, said: "There was another attack not far from here recently and I don't think I would walk around here after 11pm.

"I always feel safer when I am with my boyfriend.

"It is a nice area but it is quite quiet round here at night. I have had no problems, but you have to be on your guard, especially when you hear of things like this."

The area contains a children's park with benches, slides and swings, which is surrounded by flats on each side. It is popular with dog walkers and youngsters who play in the park.

It is also close to a school, and because of its proximity to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill, it is home to many medical staff.

Yesterday, the police tape had been removed and the area was once again busy with people walking their dogs and children playing in the park. However, many said that they were being more vigilant in the aftermath of the attack.

William Clark, 36, was with his six-year-old son Aidan, who was playing in the park on his bike.

"People are genuinely concerned because it has happened right on our doorstep," Mr Clark said.

"This is a family area and there is an old folks development right opposite. It is a good area, one which is usually safe enough that kids can play by themselves. It is also where most people walk their dogs, but at night-time it is quiet.

"Everybody is pretty stunned about it. It could have been any of our wives or anyone else we know. Everybody is really on guard when they are walking now.

"I have always felt safe but this has brought an unsafe feeling to the place which has never been there before."

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police added that they were advising women in the area to be "careful" and urged anyone with information on the attackers to come forward.

The first suspect is in his mid-20s, taller than 6ft, well-built with long dreadlocks reaching his lower back. He was wearing a red T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers. The four men were all of Afro-Caribbean appearance.