Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a taxi driver was assaulted and robbed in the Gorgie area of the Capital last night. The incident happened around midnight, after the private hire driver had accepted a fare to pick up the three suspects in Harvesters Way.
He drove them to McLeod Street and parked up close to the Tynecastle Arms, where he was assaulted within his vehicle.
The three men stole his takings and ran off across Gorgie Road, where they were seen to gesticulate, possibly to the driver of a foreign-registered Mercedes that passed as they crossed the road. Two females were also seen walking along Gorgie Road at this time.
After crossing the road the trio were seen heading in the direction of Newton Street, after which the victim could not see them.
The suspects are all in their early 20s, with Scottish accents. The first suspect is described as 5ft tall, average build, brown hair, and wearing a light coloured hooded jumper.
The second man is also around 5ft tall, skinny build, and wearing a black hooded jumper with the hood up. The third and final suspect is described as 5ft 10ins, well built, with brown hair, and wearing a black hooded waist-length jacket.
Detective Constable Joyce Gunderson said:- “While the victim did not suffer any serious injury, he was left understandably shaken as a result of his ordeal, and we are appealing for any information that can help us trace those responsible.
“In particular, we want to trace the driver of the foreign-registered Mercedes seen driving in Gorgie Road as the suspects made their escape, and the two females who were seen walking along the road and would have seen the trio as they crossed the road into Newton Street.
“Anyone else who witnessed the assault, who recognises the descriptions of the suspects, or who has any other information that can assist our enquiries, should contact police immediately.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101, or make an anonymous report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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