A woman was subjected to a horrific sexual assault on the same path where the body of murder victim Jodi Jones was discovered.
The 19-year-old woman was attacked as she walked along Roan's Dyke, a wooded area south east of Newbattle Golf Club in Dalkeith yesterday.
We reportedly earlier how people visiting the area - in the wake of the Murder in a Small Town documentary - infuriated locals by having picnics near where the body was discovered.
Police cordoned off the path where tragic Jodi was found back in 2003 while they conducted their investigation.
Cops are hunting a hooded assailant who subjected the young woman to a "distressing" ordeal, which took place at around 3pm on Sunday March 7.
It is understood he was then disturbed and scared off by a passing dog walker.
Police have released a description of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
He is described as 6ft in height, bearded with pale skin, short brown hair, and he had a local accent.
At the time of the attack he was wearing a blue hooded top, dark jacket and dark coloured trousers.
Cops are also appealing for witnesses who were in the area at the time of the assault.
Detective Inspector Susan Balfour of CID at Dalkeith Police Station said: “This is a particularly distressing incident for the woman, and I am appealing for anyone who may have been in the area to come forward.
“I would like to appeal directly to three people who may have information which could assist our investigation.
“We would been keen to speak from a dog walker who is described as being in his 60s, of heavy build, wearing a black coat and jeans.
"He was walking a black Spaniel. It is understood he may have disturbed the suspect.
"We are also keen to trace a woman who was walking with her two children, one possibly riding a scooter, with a small white dog near to the tunnel at Newbattle Community Campus.
"There was also a man who was walking near the skate park, he is described as being in his mid to late 20s, with a beard, wearing a grey hat and darker grey hooded top. We would be keen to speak to him.
"I would like to reassure the public that we are using all available means to identify the person responsible.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 0603 of Monday, 8 March. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
It comes after a local mum blasted people for treating the scene where Jodi was found like a "tourist attraction".
The enraged resident slammed morbid visitors who flocked to the area to enjoy picnics at the site where Jodi's body was discovered.
