Residents urged to help after indecent assault on girl, 7

CRIME: Attacker was teenage boy with temporary tattoo

Police have launched an investigation after a young girl was indecently assaulted as she played in South Queensferry.

The seven-year-old was on a cycle path at the back of the village’s bowling club when she was approached by a teenage boy, who is described as being of high school age, between 1.30 and 1.45pm on Friday.

Following inquiries by the public protection unit, it has now been confirmed the girl was indecently assaulted.

Her attacker was wearing dark trousers, a blue T-shirt with white lettering and had a temporary tattoo on one of his hands. He had swept-forward hazel brown hair and was carrying a black and blue rucksack.

Detective Inspector Julie Marshall said police are eager to speak to anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in the wooded area around the cycle path, or anyone who recognises the suspect’s description.

Locals are urged to think of anyone with a temporary tattoo or who owns this kind of rucksack.

“These are distinctive traits and I’m confident someone knows the individual responsible for this attack,” said DI Marshall.

With high-visibility patrols being carried out, Chief Inspector James Jones said that such incidents are rare.

“South Queensferry is a very small and close-knit community and I have no doubt that one of our residents may have the vital information to help us solve this crime,” he added.

Information can be passed to any officer, or by calling 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

“These are distinctive traits and I’m confident someone knows the individual responsible for this attack