Shaken-up cyclist sexually harassed by mob of male teens in Scots park after dark

14.04.2022 - 21:09 / dailyrecord.co.uk

A shaken-up Scots cyclist has told of being met with an aggressive mob of teenage boys as she tried to make her way home - with one even threatening to expose himself.

Kirsty Lewin had been travelling through the Meadows in Edinburgh at 8.30pm on Wednesday April 14 before she was hounded by the "intimidating" gang.

The group had made their way towards the lone cycler and proceeded to block her path.

They went on to swear and shout at her - but when she tried to cycle away, the "roaring" mob tried to chase her.

Kirsty - who uses bikes as a mobility aid - has recounted the "frightening" ordeal as "horrible".

She told the Record: "It was a horrible and frightening experience.

"One lad came up to me and threatened to show me his penis while they basically gave me grief.

"They refused to leave, it was really intimidating. They were shouting really loudly - almost roaring, in fact.

"It all happened very quickly but I was intimidated and very afraid because they were a big group.

"I took my phone out and they ran off but then they after me roaring again."

After eventually managing to escape the gang, Kirsty rapidly reported the matter to local officers.

Police Scotland has confirmed they are investigating the "offensive" behaviour.

Now angry, Kirsty described this incident as an example of male violence towards women.

"In terms of this behaviour, it is their responsibility to ensure that they do not act like this", she said.

"I wouldn't want to second-guess what they were thinking."

The cyclist is also the co-founder of a group that campaigns for safe and comfortable cycling infrastructure for women in Edinburgh.

InfraSisters looks to provide female cyclists in the capital with well-lit routes which are permeable and always have a way