Witness appeal following serious sexual assault on Water of Leith Walkway

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious sexual assault in the North of the city which took place just after midnight on Saturday.

A 33-year-old woman had been out in the Leith area during the evening and was returning home via Bonnington Road and Anderson Place.

At this time a male, who had been walking in the same direction as the victim, asked her for directions to Ferry Road and then ushered onto the path leading to the Water of Leith Walkway and attacked  her.

The suspect then made off from the area and the woman sought assistance from a passing motorist who contacted police.

Officers are now urging anyone who can assist in identifying the male responsible to come forward.

He is described as male, white, between 18 and 24-years-old,  around 5ft 8ins tall with a slim build with short brown hair that was close cropped at the back and sides, dark stubble, prominent dark circular earring in one or both ears.

In addition the male was wearing a camouflage patterned hooded jacket, blue jeans and trainers. He had earphones and was wearing a rucksack on his back and was carrying or using a skateboard.

The suspect is thought to have an accent, possibly Irish, although this is not certain, and he seems not to know Edinburgh well.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin MacLean said:”This was and remains a terrifying ordeal for this woman.  Specialist officers are providing her with support and assistance while detectives conduct a rigorous investigation into this incident.

“I would urge anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who was in or around Bonnington Road, Anderson Place or the Water of Leith walkway at Anderson Place on Friday evening into the early hours of Saturday morning and remembers seeing anything suspicious to contact us immediately.

“The suspect is distinctive as, unusually for that time in the morning, he was seen both on his skateboard and carryng it.

“I also now know that our suspect hailed a black hackney taxi on Ferry Road shortly after the attack at around 12.15 a.m. on the Saturday morning, and headed westwards.

“The taxi driver might remember the male carrying his skateboard, and I urge that taxi driver to come forward.

“I appeal to anyone with any information they might think is relevant to this investigation to get in touch.”

Those with information can contact the Public Protection Unit in Edinburgh via 101 and quote incident number 124 of the 10th June. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.