Rapist hunted after young woman attacked in Edinburgh city centre

A young woman has been raped in the early hours of the morning in Edinburgh.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the serious sexual assault in Cannonmills on Wednesday.

Officers said the 21-year-old woman was attacked at around 4am on Eyre Place near Smithies Pub.

The attacker is described as Asian, aged 20 to 30 years old, short dark hair. He was smartly dressed, wearing a blazer, at the time of the incident and may have left in a silver car.

Detective inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “We are appealing for any witnesses who were in the Cannonmills area, particularly around Eyre Place, between 2am and 4am this morning and who may have seen a man matching the description.

“We also believe that a good Samaritan came to the aid of the victim, who was in a distressed state, and we are looking to speak with him in the hope that he can assist with our inquiries.”