Police seek witnesses after New Town incidents

Three indecent incidents took place in the New Town yesterday morning around 8.30a.m. and Edinburgh Police are searching for witnesses to any of these, and also for the suspect.

Between 8.35 and 8.45a.m on Friday 6 October 2017 a man first of all approached a 26 year-old woman who was walking to work and touched her inappropriately. In a second incident a short time later the suspect did the same thing to a second woman who was pushing a buggy. The third incident involved the suspect approaching a male and female in the same area when he became involved in an exchange of words with them. Police say that the remarks he made were sexually explicit.

Inquiries are underway to find the suspect who is described as white, medium build, around 30 years-old, 5feet 9inches tall with dark hair. He is said to possibly have a goatee beard and was wearing a black jacket with a small white logo on the chest, dark jeans and white footwear.

Detective Inspector Jacqui Cotterell from the Edinburgh Public Protection Unit said: “While none of these women were physically injured, they were all left very upset by the suspect’s actions and we’re pursuing a number of lines of inquiry to trace this male.

“We believe the same individual may also have approached other women in the area and would urge anyone who wishes to report similar offences to contact police immediately.

“In addition, anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious on North West Circus Place on Friday morning should also get in touch.”

Those with information can contact the PPU via 101 and quote incident numbers 780 and 840 of the 6th October. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.