Girl attempts to push man off bike into Edinburgh’s Union Canal

Another cyclist has been targeted on the Capital’s Union Canal towpath,

The attack happened in Murrayburn. Picture: TSPL

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a young girl attempted to push a male cyclist in to the water yesterday (Wednesday) at around 5.20pm.

The incident took place at Murrayburn Drive, but the attempt was unsuccessful and the cyclist carried on his journey.

Sergeant Alex Dickson from the South West Community Policing Team: “Fortunately the cyclist was uninjured and did not fall into the canal. Nevertheless, we are conducting local enquiries to trace the female who is responsible.

“We previously saw similar offences take place on this cycle path and one youth was charged as a result.

“I want to make it clear that while this might seem like a bit of harmless fun, the potential for serious injury is very real and as we’ve previously demonstrated, we treat these matters very seriously.”

The attacker is described as white, between 12 and 14 years old and wearing a black jacket and black trousers.

She was also in the company of three boys, all of whom ran off after the incident.

Green councillor and city canal champion Gavin Corbett said: “I am disappointed to hear of the incident and I’m glad that no injury resulted. A similar incident about six weeks ago resulted in a teenager being caught and charged and I am confident the same will happen here. It is reckless and stupid and will leave someone with a criminal record which they will regret.

“Over the last two decades, restoring the canal link through Wester Hailes has been a big success and the towpath provides a fantastic way of coming in and out of the city, and getting out into the countryside to the west of the city. The more people who use the path the safer it is. I’ll be talking to community police and others about how we can re-inforce just what an asset the canal is and how everyone should be able to enjoy it peacefully.”

Those with information should contact the South West Community Policing Team via 101 and quote incident number 2735 of May 8 2019.

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