DNA Breakthrough in Chilling Edinburgh Rape Cases
Two terrifying attacks rocked Edinburgh in August 2015. Now, police believe the same predator is responsible — and they’ve got his DNA.
Two Women Attacked Within Weeks
- Just after midnight on 27 August 2015, a 19-year-old woman got off a bus on Lanark Road West.
- A man approached her near Newmills Road, claimed he had a knife, then dragged her to a nearby field and raped her.
- Three weeks earlier, on 5 August, a 21-year-old woman was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted near Craiglockhart Quadrant around 10.30pm.
- She had just alighted a bus on Colinton Road. The attacker was not on either bus.
DNA Links Both Attacks
Thanks to advancements in forensic science, police have confirmed the same man committed both atrocious crimes. They have a full DNA profile and now need the public’s help to catch him.
Police Urge Public to Remember August 2015
Detectives remind Edinburgh residents of the 2015 Festival Fringe and the Royal Military Tattoo’s “East Meets West” theme, marking the 75th Battle of Britain anniversary.
“We believe we’re looking for the person you’d least suspect, someone whose community wouldn’t think capable of such horrific offences,” said Detective Inspector Jon Pleasance.
“Think back to summer 2015. Was anyone in your life — a friend, family member, colleague — acting strangely? Don’t ignore your instincts, no matter how minor your concerns seem.”
“With a full DNA profile, we can quickly rule innocent people out.”
How to Help Catch the Attacker
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0770 of 1 March 2021. Tips can also be passed anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
