The 15-year-old was targeted on Sunday morning after being approached at a bus stop.
17:18, 29 May 2025Updated 17:22, 29 May 2025
A bus stop outside Marks & Spencer in Princes Street, Edinburgh.(Image: Google.)
A manhunt is underway after a schoolgirl was the victim of a serious sexual assault in Edinburgh. The 15-year-old was raped in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police Scotland said the youngster was targeted by a man at a bus stop at around 5am. He approached her outside the Marks and Spencer on Princes Street.
He then led her on foot to York Place, and assaulted her in a basement storage area there, before making off from the scene, in the direction of Dublin Street.
York Place, Edinburgh.(Image: Google.)
Police Scotland have now appealed to the public for information over the Sunday, May 25 attack, in a bid to track down the rapist, who was white and spoke with a Scottish accent.
Officers say he was wearing a balaclava and had blonde stubble and was wearing a black zipped hoody, khaki green trousers, and Nike trainers.
Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper from the Public Protection Unit in Edinburgh said: “This was a frightening incident for the girl and we have specialist officers supporting her and her family.
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“From extensive enquiries within Edinburgh City Centre, we know the suspect approached her on Princes Street and then led her onto South St David Street, around St Andrew Square, onto Queen Street, then to York Place.
“Despite the early morning there was daylight in this busy commercial area. I am asking people who were within the area at the time and could have seen the suspect alone or with the victim, to come forward.
“CCTV from the New Town area is being gathered and checked – I would ask anyone with private systems to check these and submit anything of relevance to us as soon as possible.
“We continue to carry out door to door enquiries and I’d appeal to local residents and businesses in New Town who may have premises off street level to check any storage areas or lock ups and report any suspicious items or behaviour to us.”
Chief Inspector Brian Manchester, Local Area Commander, said: “We understand an incident such as this is concerning for the local community, and we have a dedicated enquiry team working on this investigation.
“Anyone with concerns should speak to officers without hesitation.” Those with information should contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 0136 of 27 May 2025. An anonymous report can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.