The historic gardens, usually locked at night and overlooked by Edinburgh Castle, became a crime scene overnight. By morning, forensic tape and a police tent had replaced the usual crowds of tourists.
The Report
Around 3:45 a.m. on Monday, May 1, Police Scotland received a report of a serious sexual assault of a 20-year-old woman in the Princes Street Gardens area of Edinburgh, a popular tourist site normally closed to the public overnight.
The Investigation
Officers cordoned off a significant area around the site with forensic tape and set up a police tent as part of the investigation. Police said inquiries were at an early stage and ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Closure of the Gardens
Edinburgh City Council confirmed the gardens, including public toilets, remained closed to the public while the police investigation continued.
FAQ
When did the assault reportedly occur?
Around 3:45 a.m. on Monday, May 1.
Was anyone arrested?
Available information doesn't confirm this -- please verify the current investigation status before publishing.
Are the gardens open to the public?
They were closed, including public toilets, while the police investigation was ongoing as of the available information.