Police launch appeal after teenager is victim of ‘sickening’ sex attack at bus stop

A TEENAGE girl was the victim of a “sickening” sexual attack while waiting for a bus, police said.

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after the 16-year-old was approached by a man while she was standing at the bus stop on Broomhouse Road, Edinburgh, at about 9.10pm yesterday.

The man told the girl to follow him round the back of a nearby changing pavilion where he attacked her.

Police said CCTV footage in the area is being examined, and increased patrols have been introduced to the area to reassure local residents.

Officers are keen to talk to any dog walkers who may have been in the area at the time.

The suspect is white, in his early 30s with a skinny build and was wearing a dark jacket and dark jeans. He was also carrying a white-coloured carrier bag containing red beer cans.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “This has been a sickening attack on a young girl, and a full inquiry team has been established to trace the man responsible.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the Broomhouse area last night, and who may recognise the description of the suspect, to come forward.

“Although it was quite late, the area is popular with dog walkers, so there is a chance they may have seen or heard something suspicious around that time.”

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131.