A police investigation is under way following an assault on a footpath near to SKELF Bike Park in Bowmont Place, St Leonard’s.
The incident happened around 6.15pm on Saturday (April 20), when a 45-year-old woman walking her dog was approached by an unknown man. Following a short exchange about her dog, he sprayed an unknown substance – perhaps CS spray – from a canister into the woman’s face.
The suspect then left in an unknown direction. The victim began to feel unwell and was assisted by two witnesses. She later attended the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and has now made a recovery from her attack.
Officers were called and are now appealing for information.
The suspect is described as a white man with a slim build. He is around 5ft 10” in height with red hair and a red beard and a spotty complexion. He is believed speak with a German accent.
He was wearing a dark navy beanie hat, a heavy dark coloured jumper and dark trousers. He was carrying a brown paper bag, and black traveller’s type rucksack.
Detective Inspector Graham Grant of Edinburgh’s Criminal Investigation Department said: “This was a frightening attack on a female dog walker who has been left badly shaken by this incident.
“Fortunately the attack has not had any lasting effect, however the consequences could have been much more serious.
“We are eager to trace this man as soon as possible. I would urge anyone who was in the Bowmont Place area in the early evening of Saturday, April 20, and saw this man or anything else suspicious to contact us.
“I would also ask any other dog walkers who may have had any interactions with this man to get in touch with us and report their encounter to police.”
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