Police appeal after man attacked and phone stolen by gang while walking near park

A man was assaulted and had his phone stolen by three men while walking near an Edinburgh park.

Police say a couple were walking in the Leith Links area, near Duncan Place, at around 9.45pm on Monday when they were approached by three men who demanded they hand over their phones.

The man was then assaulted and knocked to the ground before his phone was stolen. The woman was not injured.

Officers say the suspects made off in the direction of Duke Street.

The three male suspects are all described as white, around 30 to 35 years old, of heavy build with brown hair.

They were in the company of a woman described as white, around 5ft 2in tall, of slim build, with medium-length curly dark brown hair that was tied back.

She was wearing a light-coloured top and jeans.

None of the suspects appeared to be English-speaking.

Detective constable Jo Robertson said: “This was a violent and unprovoked attack which left the victims understandably shaken.

“We are carrying out enquiries to identify those responsible and would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could help with our enquiries to come forward.

“We understand that a passer-by stopped to help the victims and are keen to trace this person as they may have information that could assist.

“Anyone with relevant dashcam or private CCTV footage is also asked to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3597 of June 16, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.