Attack on teenager in Edinburgh in 2012 linked to two sex attacks on women in 2015
Police in Edinburgh have learnt that an attack on a teenager in 2012 is linked to two sexual attacks on young women in the city in 2015.
Following recent appeals for information as part of a renewed investigation into the 2015 incidents, a victim of a previous attack came forward. Through DNA, this has now been confirmed as linked.
Detectives appealed for ‘the person you least suspect’ earlier this year, and Crimestoppers offered a reward for information, as part of fresh enquiries into the 2015 incidents.
A 21-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in Craiglockhart Quadrant on 5 August that year and, just over three weeks later, a 19-year-old woman was raped in the Newmills Road area.
Jenna Pike was just 16 when she was attacked in the early hours of 28 October, 2012, in Colinton Road near Lockharton Crescent.
After seeing these recent appeals, Jenna contacted police to see if this could be connected.
Jenna reported the incident to Lothian & Borders Police after it happened. It was investigated as an assault and there was no DNA profile of the perpetrator available using the technology at the time.
The perpetrator was described in 2012 as not much older than Jenna, perhaps 17 to 21, and white.
Detective Inspector Jon Pleasance, the investigating officer for the renewed inquiries, said: “I want to sincerely thank Jenna for coming forward and helping us with our investigation.
“Using advanced DNA technology we’ve been able to review the forensics from Jenna’s case and determine that these attacks are all linked.
“It’s incredibly concerning that the man responsible was targeting lone women as far back as 2012, especially given what we know now.
“It leads me to believe, due the proximity of these incidents, that the answer may very well lie in the local community.
“Anyone who can help is strongly asked to come forward, no matter how small the information or their concerns may seem. We have the ability to very quickly rule people out of our investigation.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0770 of 1 March, 2021, or pass tips anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
