Helmet saves Edinburgh cyclist in ice attack

An Edinburgh cyclist’s bike helmet saved him from serious injury or worse after two youths dropped a lump of ice on the rider as he cycled underneath a bridge.

The assault took place on Wednesday evening at around 6pm as the 37-year-old cyclist, who has not been named, rode beneath the Roseburn Bridge in the city’s Wester Coates district.

According to Lothian and Borders Police, the ice hit the bike rider on the head and also broke his front light. A spokesman quoted on the website of the Edinburgh Evening News said: "Fortunately the man was wearing a cycling helmet or his injuries could have been more serious.”

As it was, the cyclist suffered a sore head, neck and shoulders as well as dizziness, although he did not need hospital treatment, and police are keen to hunt down the two perpetrators, who were described as having local accents.

"We are eager to speak to anyone who was near the bridge and can help us identify the individuals responsible,” said the spokesman.

"Similarly, anyone with information that can assist with our enquiries is asked to contact police immediately."

Witnesses are asked to either contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.