Further police appeal following Balerno sexual assault

Police are making a further appeal for witnesses one week on from the serious sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in Balerno.

The incident occurred around 12.30am on Thursday 27th August on Newmills Road when a man threatened the woman and took her into a field where he sexually assaulted her.

Since then, officers have carried out additional patrols in and around the area as well as reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to local residents.

The suspect is described as a white man with a slim build.  He is around 6ft tall with long hair.  He was wearing a grey hoodie and dark jeans. He may speak with an Edinburgh or English accent.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in Newmills Road around that time on Wednesday night/Thursday morning who may have seen a man matching that description or who has information that may assist the inquiry.

Detective Inspector Grant Johnston said: “It has now been a week since the attack. We have had a good response from the public so far but we are still urging anyone with information to come forward.

“Clearly this was a very distressing incident for the young woman and we are eager to trace the suspect as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information that can help officers with this investigation is asked to contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.