Flasher who targeted teen may be linked to other case

A teenage girl was targeted by a flasher amid fears the culprit may also be responsible for a previous incident just yards away.

The suspect followed the 17-year-old after she got off a bus in Penicuik between 6.20pm and 7pm yesterday.

The girl was walking through an underpass between Edinburgh Road and Beeslack High School when a man walked past her. He then stopped and exposed himself before making off in the opposite direction.

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Described as a “distressing ordeal” for the young woman, the incident is similar to another case reported to police on Monday, May 28.

In that incident, a 23-year-old woman was waiting at the bus stop on Edinburgh Road in Penicuik, near to a wooded area backing on to Trelawney Terrace, when she noticed a man in the woods.

The man exposed himself before the woman returned home and reported the matter to police. Officers are currently investigating whether these crimes are linked.

Detective Inspector Keith Mackay of Lothian and Borders Police said: “Obviously, the girl is 17-years-old and it’s a distressing incident for anyone.

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“She went straight home where she was comforted by her family, who then reported it to the police.

“There would have been a lot of people around, making their way home from work, getting off buses, and there is a park that is well used by dog walkers.

“There was an incident in May where a male exposed himself. The crimes could be connected and we are following all lines of inquiry.”

The suspect is described as being in his thirties, olive-skinned, 5ft 6ins with a large build and broad shoulders. He was wearing a black beanie hat with a grey strip around it, a three-quarter length black jacket, grey combat-style trousers and black shoes.

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Police are currently viewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.

DI Mackay added: “These kinds of incidents are rare and it could be chance that the two crimes have been committed in the same area. I would advise women to remain vigilant and if you do feel you are in any danger call for help.”

Anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in the area, which is just off the A701, is asked to contact police immediately.

Anyone who recognises the description of the suspect is also asked to get in touch on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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