Last Sunday at around 3.00am a 19 year old woman was indecently assaulted while walking home along Salisbury Place. Edinburgh police have revisited the scene this weekend to try and find any witnesses.
The suspect is described as being white, early thirties and of large build. He was wearing a dark kilt, dark-coloured boots covering his calves and a distinctive dark-coloured ‘Dropkick Murphys’ hooded top with the band’s name on the chest and their skeleton bagpiper emblem on the back.
As a result of ongoing inquiries it has now been established that seven people were walking in front of the suspect as they made their way from Clerk Street onto South Clerk Street at around 2.47 a.m. on Sunday morning, minutes before the offence took place.
These people are believed to have been in three separate groups.
Two males and a female were in the first group.
One of the males was wearing a dark hooded top, dark jeans and had dark hair, while the other male was wearing cream trousers, a dark-coloured coat with distinctive toggles and a light hood and glasses.
The female was wearing a maroon hooded top with a light emblem on the chest and light-coloured jeans.
The second group consisted of a male and a female, with the male wearing a t-shirt with the word ‘Club’ on the chest, dark skinny jeans and light shoes.
The female he was with had shoulder-length blonde hair and was wearing a dark jacket, dark jeans and ankle boots.
Two other women were also in the area, with one described as wearing a fake fur headband.
All of these individuals are asked to contact police immediately, as they may have vital information that can assist with this investigation.
Officers will be conducting inquiries within Salisbury Place, The Cowgate and Grassmarket areas during the early hours of Sunday 9th October to speak with anyone who regularly frequents the area and may have seen something suspicious the previous weekend.
They are eager to hear from anyone who saw the suspect or can provide more information as to his movements following this incident.
Detective Inspector Julie Marshall from Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit said: “So far the public response to our appeal has been tremendous and we’ve received a number of calls that have been really useful in helping us reach this stage of our investigation.
“However, we’ve yet to receive that one vital piece of information that helps us identify the suspect and I firmly believe that this answer lies within the community.
“I am confident that someone knows this male and is aware of them being out within the Capital last Saturday evening while wearing this distinctive clothing. This person may be a friend or family member, but they have committed a serious offence and it is important that we are able to trace them.
“If you were out on Saturday evening into Sunday morning last weekend and remember seeing the suspect at any time then please contact police immediately, if you’ve not already done so.
“Similarly, if you know this male or know how we can find us then I would encourage you to also get in touch and assist with our investigation.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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