Hunt for man after spate of sexual assaults on the same night in Edinburgh's Stockbridge area

Police are searching for a man following three reported sexual assaults on the same evening in Edinburgh.

The first incident occurred in the Stockbridge area at around 5.20pm on Friday, December 12, on Fettes Row, where a woman was approached from behind by a man who sexually assaulted her and made sexual comments.

Approximately ten minutes later, at around 5.30pm, a second woman was walking her dog on Inverleith Row when she was approached from behind and sexually assaulted.

The suspect then walked down Inverleith Row towards Dundas Street.

A short time later, a third woman was assaulted as she walked past Stockbridge Church on Saxe Coburg Street. During this incident, the man sexually assaulted the woman and exposed himself.

Officers believe the same man is responsible for all three incidents.

He is described as being of Asian appearance, aged between 25 and mid-30s, of slim build, around 5ft 8in tall, with light facial hair. At the time, he was wearing a khaki or brown-coloured coat and carrying a backpack.

Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said police are carrying out extensive enquiries to trace the suspect.

“I understand incidents like these cause concern in the local community, but we are carrying out extensive enquiries and doing everything we can to trace the man responsible”, he said.

“I would ask anyone who was in those areas on Friday evening and who may have witnessed something to get in touch. If you remember seeing a man matching the description, contact us.”

Chief Inspector Ran MacDonald, the local area commander, said there will be an increased police presence in the area while enquiries continue.

“I want to reassure the public that officers will be highly visible in the local area,” he said. “Anyone with concerns should approach officers without hesitation, as they are there to help.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2889 of December 12.