Police are appealing for information following an assault and attempted robbery in East Preston Street, Edinburgh in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The incident took place around 1am in the early hours of yesterday morning (26th May) when the 30-year-old victim was walking on Clerk Street, away from town. He stopped at a bus stop on the north side of East Preston Street, at the junction with Oxford Street, and was approached from behind by two men.
The first suspect asked the victim for the time and when the victim took out his mobile phone to check, the suspect demanded that he hand over his phone and threatened him with a bicycle seat pole.
The two suspects made off in the direction of Oxford Street, where they were lost to sight. It is believed that a female cyclist may have witnessed this incident, and police are urging her to come forward.
The two suspects are described as white, 22 to 28 years old, 6ft tall, skinny build and with local accents. The first man was wearing a black jacket with the hood raised, and in possession of a bicycle seat pole. The second man was wearing grey trousers, a red jacket, black cycling helmet. He had blue eyes, and was riding a mountain bike.
Detective Constable John McShane from Police Scotland said: “We believe that a female cyclist was passing by as this attempted assault and robbery took place and we would urge for her to come forward as she may hold information that can help with our enquiry.
“Similarly, if anyone was in the area at the time and may have information that can assist with our investigation, they are asked to come forward.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.