Manhunt after 23-year-old woman indecently assaulted near Edinburgh Uni

The attack occurred on Rankeillor Street on the early hours of Sunday morning

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Edinburgh Police have begun a manhunt after a young woman was indecently assaulted in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The attack occurred as the 23-year-old was about to enter a block of flats on Rankeillor Street around 3am.

The woman was left “extremely distressed” following the incident, in which a man grabbed her from behind and indecently assaulted her.

The 23-year-old fought off her attacker and he left the area.

The suspect is described as white, in his early thirties, 5ft 5ins tall with a medium build, deep set eyes and very short blonde hair. He was wearing a light-coloured hooded top.

Rankeillor Street, famous for being featured in the novel One Day, has a very close proximity to Edinburgh University, and is a popular street for student flats.

Speaking to Heart Radio Scotland, Detective Inspector Donnie MacLeod said: “This attack left the young woman extremely distressed and we are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry to identify the male responsible.

“If you remember seeing any suspicious activity on Rankeillor Street during the early hours of Sunday morning then please contact police immediately.

“We are also keen to speak to you if you recognise the description of the suspect or have any other information that can assist with this investigation.”

If you have any information please contact police via 101 and quote incident number 2933 of October 1, or make an anonymous report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.