Police appeal for witnesses after woman sexually assaulted in Dalkeith

Police are hunting a sex attacker after a teenage girl was dragged into woods and raped.

The 18-year-old was grabbed by a man as she walked along Lauder Road in Dalkeith, Mid-lothian, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The suspect is described as white, in his early 20s and with a local accent. He was wearing a grey hooded zip-up top, with the hood up, and dark jeans.

Police have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the nearby Kippielaw Walk area.

Detective Inspector Keith Mackay said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Lauder Road between midnight and 2am on Sunday morning, who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to contact police.

“We also want anyone who may have noticed the woman making her way home just after midnight to get in touch.

“She was running from Kippielaw Walk barefoot, carrying her shoes and bag.”

Officers have increased their patrols in the area to reassure the community.

Mr Mackay said: “Crimes of this nature are extremely rare in Midlothian, and we are devoting our full resources towards identifying the man responsible.”