Rapist carrying blow-up sheep attacks teenager

POLICE are hunting a rapist who they believe was on a stag night when he attacked his teenage victim outside a central Edinburgh shopping centre.

The 17-year-old was raped outside the St James Centre after being befriended by her attacker at a nearby bus stop.

The man was carrying an inflatable sheep when he met his victim.

Police today appealed to friends or relatives of the man who think they recognise the description of him to contact them.

The girl was approached by the man, who was in his 20s, had blond hair and possibly an English accent while she waited at a bus stop outside the St James Centre shortly after midnight on Saturday.

It is understood the two chatted for several minutes before the man led the girl up the steps leading to the entrance of the shopping centre.

When they reached the paved area outside the Boston Bean Company the man forced the girl to the ground and raped her. A few minutes later her attacker was disturbed by someone shouting and he fled down Leith Street.

He was carrying a large inflatable sheep, which he took with him after the assault.

The girl, who had been on a night out with a friend, managed to make her way home and alert police.

Detectives appealed for anyone who remembers seeing the man, possibly as part of a group, earlier in the evening to contact them.

The attack suspect is described as white, in his twenties, with short blond hair, thin build and possibly an English accent.

He was wearing a white T-shirt and light-coloured trousers.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "We are appealing for the help of the public to trace anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Leith Street and the St James Centre and who remembers seeing this man, who may have been part of a stag night.

"He would have been quite noticeable as he carried the sheep down the street with him.

"Perhaps someone knows of someone who has a similar item in their possession or recognises the description of the culprit."

The spokesman added: "It is probable the man has taken the sheep home with him and perhaps a flatmate, girlfriend or partner knows they have that item in their house.

"We would urge anyone with information to contact the police."

The attack came after an 18-year-old girl was raped by a man she befriended in a pub on Friday night.

The teenager was in the Bridges Pub on Leith Walk and agreed to let him walk her to a bus stop.

However, when the pair reached an industrial estate in Jane Street, she was sexually assaulted.

Police have renewed their appeal for a middle-aged couple walking their dog who came to the girl’s aid after the attack to contact them.