POLICE are hunting an attacker who sexually assaulted a teenage woman near a Scots golf club.

The 19-year-old  woman was walking through a wooded area south east of Newbattle Golf Club, Midlothian, around 3pm on Sunday when she was attacked.

Officers have now launched an investigation into the sexual assault.

They believe three people  - including a dog walker and a mother who was seen walking with her kids - may be crucial in the bid to trace the assailant.

The suspect is described as being 6ft in height, with a beard, pale skin, short brown hair, and had a local accent. 

He was wearing a blue hooded top, dark jacket and dark coloured trousers. 

Detective Inspector Susan Balfour of CID at Dalkeith Police Station said: “This is a particularly distressing incident for the woman, and I am appealing for anyone who may have been in the area to come forward. 

“I would like to appeal directly to three people who may have information which could assist our investigation.

“We would been keen to speak from a dog walker who is described as being in his 60s, of heavy build, wearing a black coat and jeans. He was walking a black Spaniel. It is understood he may have disturbed the suspect.

"We are also keen to trace a woman who was walking with her two children, one possibly riding a scooter, with a small white dog near to the tunnel at Newbattle Community Campus.

"There was also a man who was walking near the skate park, he is described as being in his mid to late 20s, with a beard, wearing a grey hat and darker grey hooded top. We would be keen to speak to him.

"I would like to reassure the public that we are using all available means to identify the person responsible."

The Newbattle Golf Club course was originally laid out in 1933 by Harry S. Colt, the world renowned golf course architect.

He participated in the design or redesign of over 300 golf courses (115 on his own) including those at Wentworth Club, Sunningdale, Muirfield, Royal Portrush, and Royal Liverpool.