Appeal for witnesses as cyclist suffers "brutal and unprovoked" assault on Edinburgh bike path

Police in Edinburgh have launched a witness appeal after a cyclist was assaulted on a cycle path on what they say was a “brutal and unprovoked attack” which left the victim needing hospital treatment for facial injuries.

The incident took place at around 2.30pm on Friday afternoon under the Red Bridge near the Crew Toll roundabout on Ferry Road, according to Police Scotland.

The cyclist, a 54-year-old male, was approached by another man, described as “white, of medium build and aged around 30 years old.”

Officers say that the man, who was said to be wearing “a grey jumper, dark grey trousers, dark coloured walking shoes and a blue jacket tied around his waist” and who was walking a Husky-type dog with a lead, assaulted the cyclist “after a brief altercation.”

Detective Constable Douglas Mogg commented: “This was a brutal and unprovoked attack on a cyclist who was using a marked cycle path and it has left the victim injured and badly shaken.”

“We are keen to hear from anyone who saw a man meeting this description around this time or who can supply this man’s identity and they are asked to contact Police on the 101 number or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”