Hunt for rapist after sex attack in graveyard

POLICE are continuing their hunt for a man who raped a woman at a city cemetery while she was walking home from a night out.

Eastern Cemetery

The 20-year-old, who made her way to the north end of Easter Road at around 11.30pm on Friday to catch a bus home, has been left “very badly shaken” following the attack.

After a brief conversation with an older man who was waiting at the stop, she realised there were no buses due and decided to walk up Easter Road towards the city centre.

The suspect, who was with

another man in a pink top, then engaged her in conversation while the other man quickly left.

The woman and the suspect walked as far as Drum Terrace before entering the graveyard, where the man pushed her to the ground and raped her.

Today, police said the

investigation was still ongoing and are appealing for information about the attack, which took place at around midnight in Eastern Cemetery, off Easter Road.

Detective Inspector Morag Bruce, who is leading the investigation, said: “The victim has, understandably, been left very badly shaken by this ordeal and I want make clear that we will do everything in our power to find this man as quickly as possible.

“There is a strong possibility that he had been drinking in the local area and I would ask anyone who remembers him to come

forward immediately.

“I am also very keen to hear from the man in the pink top who had been with the suspect and also the older gentleman who was waiting at the bus stop and who spoke to the woman.

“The thoroughfare would have been very busy at the time of this incident with buses and taxis.

“Anyone who was on Easter Road between 11.30pm and 12.30am and who remembers anything which might help our ongoing inquiries is asked to contact police.”

Local councillor Lewis Ritchie said: “I was shocked and saddened to learn of the appalling attack.

“My thoughts are with the victim of this terrible assault and her family, and I hope the local community will come together to help Police Scotland bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Cllr Nick Gardner said: “Everyone should be able to walk around the city safely without fear, and I hope that every effort is put in to catching the attacker.”

The suspect is described as white, in his early 20s, around 5ft 6in with a thin build. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing a grey jumper with blue jeans.

It is understood detectives are not linking the incident to two other sex attacks in Balerno and Craiglockhart in recent weeks.