An Edinburgh motorcyclist was knocked to the ground while in traffic last week as thieves tried to make off with his bike.
Police have issued an urgent appeal for information after the 44-year-old was targeted while travelling through the city centre on Saturday, December 3.
Arriving at Mound Place at around 4.15pm, the man had been on his KTM bike when he stopped in traffic next to a Lothian Bus heading towards Princes Street.
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While stationary, the motorcyclist was knocked from his bike by a man, as the thief then attempted to take the bike. After a member of the public came to the aid of the 44-year-old, the suspect then made off with three other males who had come from the direction of the galleries on the Mound.
The motorcyclist was not injured. Officers are keen to trace the suspects, the member of the public who helped at the scene, and anyone either on the bus or passing by who may have seen what happened.
The first suspect, who attempted to steal the motorbike, is described as aged around 16 to 20, around 5ft 9ins and of slim build. He was wearing a black and grey Nike hoodie, dark grey joggers, black Nike trainers and a black balaclava.
The second suspect is also described as aged 16 to 20, around 5ft 7ins, and of slim build. He was wearing similar clothes to the first suspect with white trainers and a balaclava.
The third suspect is described as around 10-years-old, around 5ft and of slim build with blonde, mousey brown hair. He was wearing a light grey track suit.
The fourth suspect is described as 16 to 20-years-old, around 5ft 9ins and stockier than the others. He was wearing a red and blue puffer style jacket, light grey joggers and no socks.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “Fortunately no one was injured but this was a dangerous and foolhardy act in busy traffic in an area at a time of day when a lot of people were around.
“We are keen to trace the member of the public who helped the motorcyclist as they are likely to have vital information that could assist with our investigation.
“We are asking anyone in the area at the time which was busy with people shopping, travelling and going to the Christmas market to get in touch if they saw what happened or saw the suspects before or after the incident.
“Likewise, anyone who was on the stationary bus who can help is also asked to contact us.”
Anyone who can help should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2424 of Saturday, 3 December, 2022, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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