POLICE ARE appealing for witnesses after a 19 year old woman was attacked in the Meadows last week.

The victim was walking through the park at 3:30am on Tuesday 15, when she was grabbed by two men and sexually assaulted in a grassy spot near Melville Drive.

The men both described as white, in their 20s, of an average build and wearing hooded tops, fled the scene after the attack, running towards Bruntsfield Road.

Sections of the park were cordoned off on Wednesday morning so the police could carry out a forensic investigation.

A police spokesman said, “Although we know that the assault took place in the Meadows, we are still working to establish exactly where it happened, and we are appealing for any information that can assist our inquiries.”

“Anyone who was in the area of the Meadows or Bruntsfield Links in the early hours of yesterday morning, who saw or heard anything suspicious, should contact police immediately.”

“Similarly, anyone who saw two men matching the descriptions of the suspects in either the Meadows or Bruntsfield Links areas should also get in touch.

“At this time we have put in place extra patrols in the Meadows area overnight in order to provide reassurance to the public.”

The attack has shocked students at the university, especially those living on the south side of the Meadows, who cross the park each day to get to campus.

Thea Graham, fourth year linguistics student said, “I get scared when I have to walk through the Meadows late at night because the path is always so dark and people can easily hide behind tree trunks.

“Sometimes the lights you’re walking under just turn off unexpectedly. The council should really invest in more lighting.”

Emma Meehan, Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) Vice President Societies and Activities, told The Student, “Edinburgh is typically a very safe city and we do not want students to live in fear, however, as with all busy cities it is worth taking into consideration some safety tips.”

The EUSA Advice Place also recommended, “Students should not walk home alone late at night, particularly when you have been drinking and your judgment about what or who is safe, might be impaired.

“Whenever possible, if you are going to walk home, go with friends. If you do have to walk alone be alert, walk confidently and avoid carrying all your possessions in one bag.

“Stick to well-lit roads, plan your journey before you leave and don’t walk with your headphones in.”

They added, “Instincts exist for a reason so if a person or situation is making you feel unsafe be assertive and remove yourself.

“If you are assaulted or are unsure about something that has happened the Advice Place will always advise you to report it to the police, they offer a remote reporting service where you can report incidents if you are uncomfortable going to the police directly and they also have lots of information on the support available.