Police confirm park assault being treated as sex attack

DETECTIVES are looking for a rickshaw driver who may have given a lift to a woman later found in Pilrig Park after being brutally attacked.

The 23-year old was found at around 6am in Pilrig Park with serious cuts and bruises to her face and ripped clothing.

She had been with friends at the Picturehouse nightclub on Lothian Road and left to go home at 3am.

CCTV captured her walking down Lothian Road before heading east along Princes Street.

Hours later she was found by members of the public in the play area of Pilrig Park, she had been sexually assaulted and had serious injuries to her face.

The young woman was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where she is still being treated for her injuries.

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing to the local community to help them piece together what happened and identify whoever is responsible.

The victim is 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build and was wearing a sleeveless purple top with three-quarter length jeans.

Inspector Kevin McLean said: “While a crime of this nature is exceptionally rare, it undoubtedly has a significant impact upon the community and it is essential that we respond accordingly to address any concerns local residents may have.

“Our engagement with the community is also imperative for obtaining any relevant information for this enquiry.

“We will be speaking with various community groups, businesses, organisations and places of worship to determine whether anyone from the area has seen or heard anything suspicious or believes they can help with our enquiries.

“Anyone who was in or around Pilrig Park in the early hours of Sunday morning and remembers seeing anything suspicious, or who has information that can assist with our investigation is asked to come forward immediately.”

Police can be contact on 0131 311 3131 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Suspect detained over sex assault on man

A MAN has been sexually assaulted in a close just off the Cowgate.

Officers were alerted to the attack at around 5am yesterday and another man has been detained in connection with the incident.

Forensic officers have carried out an examination of the scene.

A police spokesman said: “We are carrying out inquiries following a report of a sexual assault in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh at around 5am yesterday morning.

“The investigation is at an early stage, and a man has been detained in connection with the incident.”