Rape inquiry police praise public's help

POLICE investigating the rape of a schoolgirl in the Capital have praised the response from the public.

Officers yesterday also revealed they have interviewed a dog walker who may have seen a man walking with the 16-year-old just moments before he raped her in a secluded walkway.

An appeal for witnesses was launched, with officers particularly keen to speak to the man in his 60s who was walking a black dog and passed the suspect and the victim.

The man contacted police and was yesterday helping officers with their investigation.

A police spokesman said a number of other lines of inquiry were also being followed.

The attack happened on a footpath near the red bridge in the Crewe Toll area at around 10pm on Wednesday.

Detective Inspector Grant Dougall, who is leading the investigation, thanked the local community for their assistance and urged anyone who may have information to come forward.

He said: "I am delighted that, as a result of our appeal, the man who was walking his dog in the area has been in touch and we are now carrying out various lines of inquiry to trace the individual responsible for this attack.

"We will continue to engage with the public and have high-visibility patrols deployed throughout the area to speak with, and reassure the public as to any concerns they may have.

"I would again stress that crimes of this nature remain extremely rare, but it is imperative that when they occur, we work closely with our communities to bring those responsible to justice.

"Anyone who may still have information but has yet to contact police is urged to do so immediately."

Anyone with any information should contact police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.