A woman has undergone an "horrendous ordeal" after being subjected to a serious sexual assault as she made her way home after a night-out, police said.

The 27-year-old was attacked after getting off a bus in Lauder Road in Dalkeith, Midlothian at about 3.45am.

A man approached her and forced her into a wooded area of land between Lauder Road and Wester Kippielaw Drive before carrying out what is described by police as a "serious sexual assault".

Police described the attacker as being white, aged about 20 and slim. He has short, dark hair and was wearing tight jeans and a shiny black hooded cop.

Detective Sergeant Alistair Sellar, from Police Scotland, said: "This was an horrendous ordeal for a woman to go through and we are very keen to trace the suspect as quickly as possible.

"A full investigation into this incident is now under way and I would like to reassure the local community that officers are doing everything they can to ensure this man is found.

"He may be local to the area and there is information to suggest that he attended a nightclub prior to the attack.

"However, we need the assistance of the public, who may hold vital information to assist with our ongoing enquiries."

Police are appealing for anyone in the area at around the time of the attack to contact them. Officers are also keen to speak to two other men who were seen walking separately along Lauder Road at around the time of the incident.

The first man is described as having a heavy build and wearing a dark jacket with light-coloured jeans.

The second man, who was walking on the opposite side of the road, was wearing a dark coloured top with a white motif on his chest.