A 16-year-old girl was led away from a bus stop and sexually assaulted in what police have described as a "sickening" attack.

The teenager was standing at a bus stop in the city's Broomhouse Road at around 9.10pm on Monday when a man approached her.

He asked her to follow him to the back of a nearby changing pavilion and led her away by her arm before attacking her.

Police have stepped up patrols in the Sighthill area of the city as they scan CCTV to try and track down the attacker.

Detective Superintendant Mark Petrie said: "She’s been through quite an ordeal.

"The girl concerned, a 16-year-old, was walking down Broomhouse Road about 10pm on Monday night, she stopped at the bus stop and she was led by the arm by a male around the far side of the pavilion on to some steps where she was subjected to a serious sexual assault.

"At that time of night there’s a lot of dog walkers and joggers out in this area despite it being late at night. I hope there’s been someone who has seen something and can come forward and assist us."

The attacker is described as in his 30s, white, of skinny build, and wearing a dark jacket and dark jeans. He had a white carrier bag with red cans of beer inside.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn added: "This has been a sickening attack on a young girl, and a full inquiry team has been established to trace the man responsible."

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.