14/08/2006

Police appeal following rape of teenager

Police have appealed for information after a teenage girl was seriously sexually assaulted at the weekend in Edinburgh.

The 15-year-old girl was attacked around 11:50pm on Saturday night in Drum Brae North, Corstorphine.

Police said that the girl had travelled by bus from Blackhall, Edinburgh, with three friends, before she got off the bus and began to walk home over Drum Brae North.

A police spokesperson said: "As she reached the brow of the hill, she became aware of someone approaching from behind. She was grabbed by the arms and led into the nearby bushes where she was subjected to a serious sexual assault."

The suspect is described as white, slim, around 5ft 7in tall and aged between 19 - 20, with short dark brown or black hair, facial stubble/growth and an Edinburgh accent. He was described as wearing a round-neck jumper with 3 dark-coloured hoops, navy blue jeans and trainers.

Police said that they were especially keen to speak to an elderly couple who helped the victim to get home after the attack.

They also want to trace a group of youths who were hanging around at the bottom of Drum Brae North.

The police spokesperson said: "This was a particularly serious assault on a young girl. We are very keen to trace the elderly couple who helped the victim home, as they may hold vital evidence about the incident.

"We would also like to speak to the group of youths who were nearby Drum Brae North and anyone else in that area at around midnight on Saturday night."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on: 0131 311 3131.

(KMcA)

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