Police are appealing for witnesses after a male youth inappropriately approached a young girl on a secluded path this afternoon in South Queensferry.
The incident happened at around 2pm as the girl, who is of primary school age, was playing on a cycle path found to the rear of the South Queensferry Bowling Club.
She was approached by an unknown male who was standing just off the path itself.
A short time later he made off on foot heading east in the direction of Newhalls Road and may have been seen by several drivers who were travelling in the area.
The youngster immediately made her way home and told her parents what had happened who subsequently raised the alarm with police.
Local officers are now carrying out various lines of inquiry in an effort to trace the suspect as quickly as possible.
He is described as white, aged in his mid-teens, around 5ft 4ins tall, medium build with brown hair that was brushed forward.
He was wearing a royal blue coloured round neck t-shirt, navy jeans and was possibly carrying an old black and blue rucksack.
Detective Inspector Julie Marshall who is based at Fettes Police Station said: “This is a deeply concerning incident that has caused a great deal of distress to the young victim as well as her family.
“She has shown tremendous courage and has been able to supply us with a very strong description of the suspect and I urge anyone who has relevant information to contact police immediately.
“We understand that he ran off towards Newhalls Road, which is very well used and I’m hopeful that someone may have seen him.
“Our enquiries are ongoing but I can reassure the public that we will use all resources at our disposal to trace this individual as quickly as possible.”
Those with information can contact police on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
