Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery in the Gorgie area of the city.

The incident happened around 5 a.m. on Friday 24th February in Wardlaw Place.

A 55-year-old male private hire driver picked up a fare in Rannoch Road, Clermiston and took a man to the all-night bakery on Morrison Street before dropping him off outside a block of flats in Wardlaw Place.

At this time the suspect threatened the driver at knifepoint and demanded his watch.

A struggle ensued and the victim was cut to the hand before the male made off with his Rolex watch worth £7, 500.

Officers have been pursuing a number of lines of inquiry to trace the male responsible and are now urging anyone who can assist in identifying him to come forward.

He is described as black, 5ft 8ins tall with a medium build, short dark hair shaved at sides and slightly longer on top, small beard and wearing a black Nike Jacket with Nike Swoosh and lettering, dark trousers and red trainers.

Detective Constable Joyce Gunderson from Corstorphine Police Station said: “In addition to the painful injury to his hand, the victim is also extremely upset at the theft of his very valuable watch and we are eager to hear from anyone who can help us trace both the suspect and the stolen item.

“If you remember seeing any suspicious activity around Wardlaw Place around 5 a.m. last Friday, or have any other information relevant to our investigation then please contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.