Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information following an assault and robbery in Muirhouse.

At around 1:10am on Wednesday, June 29th, a 50-year-old man was making his way home from work when he encountered two males on Pennywell Gardens near its junction with Pennywell Road.

As he approached, one of the suspects engaged him in conversation and acted in an aggressive manner.

The man ignored the pair and continued to walk westwards in an effort to get away from them.

However, as he walked on the north side of the pavement he became aware of the suspects approaching him from behind on bicycles and wearing balaclavas.

They then carried out an unprovoked assault, punching the man in the head resulting with him falling to the ground. They kicked him while he lay on the ground before stealing his rucksack and other personal belongings.

The attackers cycled off towards Pennywell Road after being disturbed by a taxi, which was travelling nearby.

The victim then made his way home before raising the alarm with police.

Anyone who can help identify the attackers is asked to come forward.

The first suspect is described as white, aged around 18 years old, around 5ft 6ins tall, has a slim build, short black hair, spoke with a local accent and a BMX bicycle.

The second suspect is also white but believed to be younger possibly around 15-years-old. He had a medium build, fair coloured hair, spoke with a local accent and had a BMX.

DC Ross Nicol based at Corstorphine CID 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.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.