15-year-old girl raped by masked man in Edinburgh city centre
She was approached by the man in a bus stop on Princes Street at around 5am on Sunday
Last updated 29th May 2025
Detectives are appealing for information following a serious sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl in Edinburgh in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The incident occurred shortly after 5am on Sunday, 25 May, in a basement storage area on York Place. The teenager was approached at a bus stop outside Marks and Spencer on Princes Street before being taken on foot to the scene of the assault.
Following the attack, the suspect fled in the direction of Dublin Street.
The suspect is described as a white man with blond stubble or a beard, who spoke with a Scottish accent. At the time, he was wearing a black zip-up hooded top, khaki green trousers, Nike trainers, and a black balaclava.
Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper, of 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.
“From extensive enquiries within Edinburgh city centre, we know the suspect approached her on Princes Street and then led her along South St David Street, around St Andrew Square, onto Queen Street, and then to York Place.
“Despite the early hour, it was daylight in this busy commercial area. I am asking anyone who was in the vicinity at the time and may have seen the suspect, alone or with the victim, to come forward.
“CCTV from the New Town area is being gathered and checked – I urge anyone with private systems in the area to review their footage and share anything relevant with police as soon as possible.
“We are also conducting door-to-door enquiries and encourage local residents and businesses, particularly those with off-street level premises or storage areas, to check for anything suspicious and report it.”
Chief Inspector Brian Manchester, Local Area Commander, added: “We understand this kind of incident is deeply concerning for the local community. A dedicated enquiry team is in place, and anyone with concerns should not hesitate to approach and speak with officers.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0136 of 27 May 2025. Alternatively, details can be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.