Bogus doctor hurts disabled woman

7.59.58am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 7th Mar 2007

A disabled Edinburgh woman has been indecently assaulted in her own home by a man who claimed he was a doctor.

Police said the smartly dressed man showed an identification badge to gain access to her house on Wednesday. He then carried out a cursory examination before assaulting the 37-year-old woman.

The attack happened in Southhouse at 1130 GMT. Officers describe the white man as aged between 35 and 45, of thin build with short, dark hair. The suspect left the house and drove off in a black car, described as having a "rounded roof".

He wore a navy-coloured suit, white shirt, black tie and was carrying a "deep" black leather bag.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said: "The victim was very sensible and asked the suspect for his identification before letting him into her home. However, he callously duped her, taking advantage of her trust, before indecently assaulting her. This man is claiming to be a medical professional and we would be very keen to speak to anyone else who has come into contact with him. We would remind people that checking identification is very important, but if you are still not convinced, call the organisation your visitor claims to be representing."