COPS hunting a rape monster believe he may have serious facial injuries after his brave victim tried to fight him off. They hope the scars can help them nail the brute who struck in the woman’s home. A source said last night: “All she can remember is going for his face during the attack. Her survival instinct just kicked in. The sex beast, who attacked his victim in her own home, has a prominent tattoo of a red-eyed animal among many on his arms. Detectives also believe that the attacker may have severe injuries to his face and neck after his victim bravely battled to fend him off. “We’re hoping she has marked him enough that he can be identified and brought to justice.” The victim was being comforted by relatives yesterday following the sickening assault just after midnight on Sunday in Dalkeith, Midlothian. Police revealed the heavily-muscled 6ft pervert, thought to be in his mid-20s, had tattoos on both arms — including one of an animal with distinctive red eyes. They believe he may have followed the woman home from a nightclub in the town before sneaking in. Officers were last night studying CCTV footage. DCI Kenny Gray praised the victim’s “immense bravery”. He added: “She did manage to potentially injure his face and his neck.” “We appeal to anyone in the vicinity of Allan Terrace between 12 midnight and 2am on Sunday, who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to contact police.” The 20-year-old victim had been out to a few pubs and the Peppermint Park Nightclub in Newmills Road in Dalkeith before returning to her house at around 12.20am on Sunday. It is thought the man may have followed her as she walked home alone as he broke into the house a short time later. The woman heard a noise at the front of her house and when she went downstairs she found the man inside her hallway. He then attacked and raped her. Police want to speak to anyone who saw the woman walking home alone or the man in the area between midnight and 2am on Sunday. The victim walked from Newmills Road, down Gibraltar Road to Allan Terrace just after midnight. She is 5ft 2ins tall with brown hair and was wearing black leggings, a cream top with elbow length sleeves and flat white shoes.   Her attacker was white, in his mid 20s, around 6ft tall, or muscular build with a tan and short dark hair. He was wearing dark coloured jeans, a short sleeved top and had a number of tattoos. The most distinctive is on his left arm of an animal with red eyes. The victim struggled with him and he may have injuries to his face. Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Gray said: “The woman had been out in Dalkeith town centre and had walked home and got into her address. She had been settled for the night when she heard her front door and went to see who was there. “She was confronted by the man who assaulted her and dragged her into the bedroom where she was seriously sexually assaulted. “The victim has suffered a terrifying ordeal at the hands of the suspect, and she is currently being cared for by family. “At this time we are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Allan Terrace between 12 midnight and 2am on Sunday morning, who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to contact police. “We know that the victim struggled with the suspect, and he may have visible injuries to his face as a result. We are appealing to anyone who recognises his description to contact us immediately. “An inquiry team has been established at Dalkeith Police Station in order to investigate this crime, and we are increasing our patrols in the local community in order to provide reassurance to residents.” Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.