POLICE are "keeping an open mind" that two sex attacks in the Scottish capital may be linked.
In the latest incident a 19-year-old woman was seriously sexually assaulted when walking along Newmills Road in Balerno at around 12.30am on August 27.
A man approached the victim from behind, threatened her, and took her into a neighbouring field where he sexually assaulted her.
The man then left the woman in the field and fled the location.
She returned to her home and raised the alarm.
Officers are now appealing for information to trace the man responsible.
He is described as a white man with a slim build, around 6ft tall, possibly with long hair.
He was wearing a grey hoodie and dark jeans and may speak with an Edinburgh or English accent.
It is understood police have not ruled out a link with a similar assault in a city suburb three weeks ago.
On August 5 a man fitting the same description indecently assaulted a 21-year-old woman at the junction of Craiglockart Road and Craiglockart Quadrant at around 10.30pm.
In that assault, a struggle ensued before the victim fought her attacker off.
Detective Inspector Grant Johnston said: “This was a distressing attack on a young woman and we are eager to trace the suspect as soon as possible.
“Anyone who was in the Newmills Road area in the early hours of this morning and saw anything suspicious is asked to contact us as soon as possible.
“Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect is also asked to call Police Scotland immediately.”
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