Police have launched an investigation after a woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault in a city street.
The 37-year-old woman was attacked by a man who she met earlier in the evening while out drinking in Edinburgh city centre.
The pair drank together for a short time and then walked in Spring Gardens, where the man seriously sexually assaulted her.
Police are following a positive line of inquiry but appealed for information about the incident, which happened between 10.30pm and 11pm on Boxing Day.
Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: "The victim has been left extremely distressed by this attack and we are conducting various enquiries in Spring Gardens at this time.
"Anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in the area late on Boxing Day evening is asked to contact police immediately.
"In particular, we are keen to speak with a male and female couple who are believed to have passed the victim and suspect around the time of the incident. These individuals are also urged to get in touch as soon as possible."
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