Girl, 7, Subjected To Indecent Assault

6 June 2016, 15:36 | Updated: 6 June 2016, 18:38

A seven-year-old girl has been sexually assaulted by a teenage boy as she played on a path.

The girl reported being approached by the stranger as she played on a cycle path behind South Queensferry Bowling Club on Friday afternoon.

Police confirmed on Monday that she was indecently assaulted and have now launched a sexual assault investigation.

The attack took place between 1.30pm and 1.45pm.

The suspect is described as being of high school age and police hope distinctive parts of his appearance, including a temporary tattoo on one of his hands, will help trace him.

He is white, with hazel brown hair swept forward and was wearing dark trousers, a blue round neck t-shirt with white lettering and carrying a black and blue rucksack.

Detective Inspector Julie Marshall said: "Over the weekend we have been conducting further investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and we are now confident that the young victim was indecently assaulted.

"We are eager to speak to anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity in the wooded area around the cycle path on Friday afternoon and those who believe they may have information relevant to this inquiry should contact police immediately.

"I would also ask that anyone who recognises the description of the suspect to come forward.

"Local residents are urged to think of anyone they know of in the local community who may have a temporary tattoo on one of their hands and who also owns a black and blue rucksack.

"These are distinctive traits and I'm confident someone knows the individual responsible for this attack.''

Police have stepped up patrols in the area.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.