DALKEITH POLICE INVESTIGATE RAPE ATTACK AND SUSPECT'S FACIAL INJURIES

Police are investigating a brutal sexual assault that occurred in Dalkeith, Midlothian, where officers believe the suspect may have sustained significant facial injuries during the attack. They are hopeful that scars or marks on the offender's face could lead to identification and arrest.

A police source stated last night: “All she can remember is going for his face during the attack. Her survival instinct just kicked in.” The victim, who was attacked in her own home, reportedly has a prominent tattoo of a red-eyed animal among several on her attacker’s arms.

Detectives also suspect the assailant may have sustained injuries to his face and neck from the victim's resistance. A police spokesperson said, “We’re hoping she has marked him enough that he can be identified and brought to justice.”

The 20-year-old woman was comforted by relatives after the assault, which occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday. The police have described the offender as a heavily-muscled, white male in his mid-20s, approximately six feet tall, with a muscular build, tan complexion, and short dark hair. He was wearing dark jeans, a short-sleeved top, and had multiple tattoos, notably a distinctive animal with red eyes on his left arm.

It is believed the suspect may have followed the woman from a nightclub in Newmills Road — the Peppermint Park Nightclub — where she had been during the evening. She returned home around 12:20 am, walking from Newmills Road along Gibraltar Road to Allan Terrace.

According to police, the man likely entered her house after following her home, breaking in shortly thereafter. The woman heard a noise at her front door, went downstairs, and found the attacker inside her hallway. He then assaulted and raped her.

Authorities are seeking witnesses who saw the woman walking home alone or the man in the area between midnight and 2 am. Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Gray praised her bravery, stating, “The woman had been out in Dalkeith town centre and had walked home and gotten into her address. She had been settled for the night when she heard her front door and went to see who was there,” Gray said. “She was confronted by the man, who then dragged her into the bedroom and assaulted her sexually.”

The victim is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, with brown hair, wearing black leggings, a cream top with elbow-length sleeves, and white flat shoes.

The suspect is described as a white male in his mid-20s, muscular, with a tan complexion, short dark hair, and tattoos, including one of an animal with red eyes on his left arm. Detective Gray added, “We know that the victim struggled with the suspect, and he may have injuries to his face as a result. Anyone who recognises his description should contact us immediately.”

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Lothian and Borders Police at 0131 311 3131 or report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. An inquiry team has been established at Dalkeith Police Station, and patrols in the area have been increased to reassure residents.