Police appeal for pair to help find sex attacker

POLICE investigating a sex attack on an American woman in the Capital today appealed for two men to come forward.

The woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted in the early hours of Monday after a night out in the city centre.

She was with a group of friends in and around Niddry Street before going to the Opium nightclub in Cowgate.

The attack happened between 4am and 4.30am in Barrie's Close.

Lothian and Borders Police believe the suspect and two other people befriended the black woman's group during the evening out.

They say the men may have vital information that could help them trace the attacker.

Detective Inspector Scott Cunningham said: "We do not believe that these men are suspects or had anything to do with the assault. However we are certain that they know the man responsible and may be able to assist us in locating him.

"We would urge these men to come forward and speak to police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who remembers seeing the group, either in Opium or around the Cowgate and has information that can help our investigation is asked to come forward at once."

One man is white, aged 20-25, with light brown collar-length hair and a spotty complexion. He was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt.

The second male is also white, of similar age, and has short light-brown hair and facial hair. He was wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt with white stripes.