Edinburgh crime: Three women sexually assaulted within minutes in affluent Edinburgh neighbourhood

On Friday, December 12, police have said a man approached three women in the Stockbridge area of the city and sexually assaulted them.

Around 5.20pm on Fettes Row, a woman was approached from behind by a man who sexually assaulted her and made sexual comments.

Then, around 5.30pm on Inverleith Row, a woman was walking her dog when a man approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her.

He then walked down Inverleith Row towards Dundas Street.

A short time later, a woman was walking past Stockbridge church on Saxe Coburg Street when a man approached her, sexually assaulted her and exposed himself.

The man is described as being of Asian appearance, aged between 25 and mid-30s, of slim build, around 5ft 8in, with light facial hair.

He was wearing a khaki or brown coloured coat and carried a backpack.

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Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “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.

“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.”

Increased police presence in Stockbridge

Chief Inspector Ran MacDonald, Local Area Commander, said: “I want to reassure that there will be an increased visible police presence in the local area as officers carry out enquiries.

“Anyone with any concerns should approach officers without hesitation, as they are there to help.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident 2889 of December 12.