Appeal following serious sexual assault of teenage girl in City Centre

POLICE are appealing for information after a teenage girl was the victim of a serious sexual assault in Edinburgh on Sunday, 25 May, 2025.

The incident happened shortly after 5am in a basement storage area on York Place.

The 15-year-old girl was approached by a man at a bus stop by Marks and Spencer on Princes Street at around 5am. He then took her on foot to York Place.

After the assault the suspect left the area in the direction of Dublin Street.

The suspect is described as a white man with blond stubble/beard who spoke with a Scottish accent. He was wearing a black zip up hooded top, khaki green trousers, and Nike trainers. He wore a black balaclava.

Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper from 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 onto South St David Street, around St Andrew Square, onto Queen Street, then to York Place.

“Despite the early morning there was daylight in this busy commercial area. I am asking people who were within the area at the time and could have seen the suspect alone or with the victim, to come forward.

“CCTV from the New Town area is being gathered and checked – I would ask anyone with private systems to check these and submit anything of relevance to us as soon as possible.

“We continue to carry out door to door enquiries and I’d appeal to local residents and businesses in New Town who may have premises off street level to check any storage areas or lock ups and report any suspicious items or behaviour to us.”

Chief Inspector Brian Manchester, Local Area Commander, said: “We understand an incident such as this is concerning for the local community, and we have a dedicated enquiry team working on this investigation.

“Anyone with concerns should speak to officers without hesitation.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 0136 of 27 May 2025. An anonymous report can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Man jailed for serious sexual assault

A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to 4 years in prison for a serious sexual assault on a woman in Edinburgh on Sunday, 19 December, 2021.

Toby Gayfer was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Friday, 3 May, 2024) following his conviction on 5 April, 2024.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “This was a hugely distressing experience for Gayfer’s victim and I hope that today’s sentencing will provide her with some closure.

“He now faces the consequences of his despicable actions.

“I hope this sentencing sends a clear message that this type of violence will not be tolerated. We are wholly committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice.

“I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us, regardless of when it happened.

“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”