A 19-year-old woman was forced into a field and sexually assaulted, police have said.

The attack happened in the early hours in the Balerno area of Edinburgh as the victim walked along Newmills Road.

A man approached the teenager at about 12.30am and threatened her before taking her into a field and subjecting her to a serious sexual assault.

Police are searching for a slim white man about 6ft tall who wore a grey hooded top and dark jeans. He may speak with an Edinburgh or English accent.

Detective inspector Grant Johnston said: "This was a distressing attack on a young woman and we are eager to trace the suspect as soon as possible.

"Anyone who was in the Newmills Road area in the early hours of this morning and saw anything suspicious is asked to contact us.

"Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect is also asked to call Police Scotland immediately."