Couple spotted having sex in playground

A COUPLE are being hunted by police after being caught on camera having sex in a children's playpark in broad daylight.

The shaven-headed man and fair-haired woman were spotted by around a dozen people in Dalmeny Park in Leith after stripping off beside a climbing frame.

The pair, believed to be in their 40s, are reported to have engaged in various sexual acts for more than 25 minutes in sight of astonished bypassers.

Afterwards, the woman appeared to be so drunk that she staggered away before collapsing several times.

The incident took place in the hours following the Hibs versus Rangers match at Easter Road on Sunday, when nearby Leith pubs were filled with revellers.

Local residents called police at about 8pm as they were concerned about the woman's safety.

When officers turned up the couple had already disappeared, but a police spokesman said today the images caught by one witness would be passed on for further investigation.

One 59-year-old man, who was walking his dog in the park at the time, said he was "disgusted" by the couple's behaviour, which took place while children were in the area.

A 30-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, was in her flat in Sloan Street overlooking the park when her husband spotted the couple.

She said: "We looked out of the window and could see them on the children's frame. At first they were just making out and we thought it was quite funny because it was so bright and people could see.

"Then they started removing clothes and it got more serious. We were shocked when they started having intercourse.

"The woman seemed the worse for drink so we were worried about her and called police.

"Across the park people were walking dogs and other people were walking along the street. There must have been a dozen or more. Everybody could see what was happening and it went on for at least 25 minutes.

"Finally a man walking his dog moved really close to them and the man spotted him. He quickly hitched up his trousers and walked off at a rush, leaving the woman there.

"She was trying to put her clothes on and was staggering about so we called the police again to help her. She seemed in a bad way and we thought she might fall again and hurt herself.

"We'd never seen anything like that happening in the park in the three years we've lived here. "

Witnesses said they thought the couple were in their 40s. The dog walker, who also lives in Sloan Street and asked not to be named, was returning to his flat when he spotted the couple.

He said: "I was disgusted that they could do that in public. I could see children down the street, although they didn't seem to notice, thankfully." Local Lib Dem councillor Louise Lang said she was "shocked and disappointed" by the incident.

A police spokesman confirmed that officers were called to the Dalmeny Park in Leith on Sunday night following a report of an "indecent act".