[3] Police are appealing for information after a woman was sexually assaulted in Edinburgh at the weekend.

The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning (November 19th), behind the Playhouse Theatre.

The 27-year-old victim left a nightclub at the top of Leith Walk at about 2.30am, and started speaking to the suspect at the taxi rank outside the Omni Centre.

Following this they walked down Greenside Lane, and the assault took place behind the Playhouse Theatre.

The suspect is described as black, 20 to 30 years, 5ft 8ins tall, medium build, goatee beard, and wearing a cream coloured jumper with horizontal stripes, and blue jeans. He spoke broken English with a foreign accent.

A police spokesman said: 'This was a serious sexual assault that left the victim in a considerable state of distress.

'We would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and noticed the victim and the suspect speaking together to get in touch.

'Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect should contact police immediately.'

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.