A young woman has suffered a serious sexual assault in the centre of Edinburgh.
The 18-year-old was attacked on Princes Street at around 4am on Saturday.
Police have appealed for witnesses to help catch the man who carried out the “horrendous” attack.
The woman was assaulted outside the Primark store, before the attacker headed off west on foot along Princes Street. It is believed he then got into a taxi before being dropped off in the Oxgangs Road North area at around 5am.
He is described as being white, 18-25-years-old with a slim build and strawberry blond/ginger hair that was short at the sides and longer on top.
He was wearing a white short-sleeved polo top with three buttons, a dark logo on the left breast and a dark stain around the stomach; blue skinny jeans and trainers. He spoke with a local accent.
Police believe he may have been with a group of other males and one female before the attack
Detective Chief Inspector Alwyn Bell said: “This was a horrendous sexual assault, which has left the young victim traumatised and we are currently providing her with all the necessary support she requires.
“We have been conducting extensive CCTV inquiries as well as forensic investigation at the scene but I would ask anyone who can help us trace the suspect contacts police immediately.
“In addition, anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in or around Princes Street around 4am on Saturday morning should also get in touch.”
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.