Teenager dragged into wood and raped in Dalkeith
A teenager was dragged into a wood and raped by a stranger who had followed her along a road in Midlothian.
The 18-year-old was attacked while walking on Lauder Road, Dalkeith, in the early hours of Sunday.
She was near the entrance to St David's Primary School when she realised a man was walking closely behind her.
The man then grabbed her and forced her in to the wooded area at Kippielaw Walk, where she was assaulted. Police have appealed for information.
The attacker was described as being white, in his early 20s, of chubby build and 5ft 8in tall.
He was wearing a grey zip-up top with the hood up, and dark jeans. He spoke with a local accent.
Police have introduced high visibility patrols in the area and are carrying out door-to-door inquiries.
Officers are also seeking CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
Det Insp Keith Mackay, of Lothian and Borders Police, urged anyone who was in the Lauder Road area between midnight and 02:00 on Sunday morning to contact police.
"We also want anyone who may have noticed the woman making her way home just after midnight to get in touch," he said.
"She was running from Kippielaw Walk barefoot, carrying her shoes and bag."
Det Insp Mackay said: "I want to reassure people that crimes of this nature are extremely rare in Midlothian, and that we are devoting our full resources towards identifying the man responsible.
"A dedicated inquiry team has been established at Dalkeith Police Station, and we are increasing our patrols in the local community in order to provide reassurance to residents."