Silent attacker hunted after woman's ordeal on Water of Leith path Published on Saturday 14 January 2012 00:38 A YOUNG woman suffered a terrifying attack in broad daylight as she walked along the Water of Leith in Edinburgh on her way to work. The 24-year-old managed to fight off her attacker who punched her in the face and tried to push her over a wall into an area of grassland. Police say the attacker was disturbed by a man and a woman walking along the footpath and then ran off. It is not clear whether there may have been a sexual motive for the attack. The attack happened at around 2:10pm on Thursday as the woman was walking to work along a footpath linking Gillespie Road to West Mill Road, in the Colinton area of the city. The footpath, which is popular with cyclists, pedestrians and dog walkers goes down towards Colinton Dell. Police said the attacker, who was aged between 30 and 40, did not speak during the incident and ran off after struggling with the woman, who was cut and bruised during the assault. Local councillor Elaine Aitken said: "Hopefully this has been an isolated incident. But I have been made aware that there will be an increased police presence in this area. It is a popular area and everybody will have to be very vigilant and aware that this has happened. I understand police are going to be going around door to door and that they are going to do a letter drop. Paul Edie, community safety leader at Edinburgh City Council, described the attack as a "cowardly assault." He said: "I would urge anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or have noticed anything unusual, to contact Lothian and Borders police immediately." Lothian and Borders Police are keen to trace the man and woman who witnessed the attack. A police spokesman said: "This has been a terrifying experience for the young woman, who suffered a few minor cuts as a result, but was thankfully not seriously injured. The suspect did not speak during the incident and so at this time it is unclear as to what his motive was for this attack. Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious, or who can help us identify the man responsible is asked to contact police immediately. We are also keen to trace the couple who were walking along the footpath and would ask them to get in touch as soon as possible. The suspect is described as white, 30 to 40 years old and more than 6ft tall and with a stocky build. He was wearing a black hooded top, blue jeans and light trainers. David Sinclair, head of communications for Victim Support Scotland, said: "We are always concerned to hear of an unprovoked attack on and individual, whether male or female. Regrettably, this is something that many victims of crime experience and it is to be hoped that the police are able to apprehend the person responsible as soon as possible. In the meantime, it is important that people walking in isolated areas take great care and let others know where they are intending to go.