Student rape investigated

Police in Edinburgh are investigating the rape of an 18-year-old female student in the city.

The woman was attacked early on Sunday morning after going to a disco at the Edinburgh University Students' Association premises in Potterow.

She had left the disco at about 0300 BST after becoming separated from her friend.

Lothian and Borders Police said they would like to speak to a man who was seen talking to the girl outside the disco shortly before she was discovered by passers-by.

It is believed the man had an Irish accent and may have been called Michael.

Hanging around

Detective Constable Neil Spowart, who is investigating the case, said: "The female victim was seen by a number of witnesses sitting on a wall outside, waiting for a friend.

"She was then seen leaving with a man we believe may be called Michael. He spoke with an Irish accent.

"We now need to trace "Michael" who was seen with the victim and running from the immediate area prior to her being found. We believe he ran back towards Potterow, Bristo Square and then George Square."

Police say there were a number of people hanging around this area as the disco had not long finished, and they are confident some of these people must have seen the suspect running away.

He is described as white, in his late teens to early 20s, 5ft 10in to 6ft, of medium build, with short brown hair.

He was wearing a navy blue long-sleeved Adidas tracksuit top with white stripes on the sleeves and a logo on the left breast, white/cream jeans and black boots.

Police said it is believed he was with a group of Irish men.