Rape appeal after woman attacked

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward

Police in Edinburgh have appealed for information after a woman was raped in broad daylight in Midlothian.

The 19-year-old was walking along the B7003 near the village of Rosewell at 1800 BST on Sunday when she was grabbed by a man.

She was struck repeatedly in the face and sexually assaulted before flagging down a passing vehicle.

The attacker is described as in his 30s, about 5ft 9in tall, of medium build, with cropped brown short hair.

The woman was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where she is still receiving treatment for her injuries.

This was a particularly nasty serious sexual assault which has left a young woman injured and severely traumatised Lothian and Borders Police spokesman

Police said her attacker had a round face, pale complexion, cropped brown short hair with a fringe cut across the forehead.

Detectives said he was possibly wearing a light-coloured t-shirt tucked into blue denim jeans and distinctive yellow/tan rigger style boots.

A police spokesman said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been walking or driving along the B7003 near Rosewell late yesterday afternoon and remembers seeing this man with his distinctive rigger style boots.

Facial injuries

"This is a very busy road and there must have been motorists who will have passed him on the road. Anyone who may recognise the description of the attacker should contact police immediately.

"This was a particularly nasty serious sexual assault which has left a young woman injured and severely traumatised.

"Her attacker also struck her several times on her face leaving her with extremely nasty facial injuries."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131-663-2855.