Balaclava-clad thieves on bikes attack and rob man
Two thieves wearing balaclavas and riding bikes are being sought by police after they attacked and robbed a man in Edinburgh.
The 50-year-old was walking home from work when two men approached him on Pennywell Gardens near its junction with Pennywell Road at 01:10.
He walked away from them after one of them became aggressive.
They then carried out an unprovoked assault, punching him in the head and kicking him when he fell.
They continued kicking him while he lay on the ground before stealing his rucksack and other belongings.
The attackers cycled off towards Pennywell Road after being disturbed by a taxi, which was travelling nearby.
Police are urging witnesses to come forward.
The first attacker was white, about 18 years old, about 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build, with short black hair. He spoke with a local accent and had a BMX bike.
The other attacker was also white but believed to be younger, possibly about 15-years-old.
He was of medium build, had fair-coloured hair. He also spoke with a local accent and had a BMX.
Det Con Ross Nicol, of Police Scotland, said: "Fortunately the presence of a taxi prompted the suspects to halt their attack and flee the area.
"Today I urge anyone who witnessed this incident or the suspects to come forward.
"In particular, I would be interested to hear from the taxi driver who was travelling on Pennywell Gardens in the early hours of Wednesday."