Private hire driver attacked and robbed by passengers

A PRIVATE hire driver has been assaulted and robbed by three men he picked up in his car.

The robbery happened at around midnight after the driver accepted the fare to pick up the men from Harvesters Way.

He drove them to McLeod Street in Gorgie and parked close to Tynecastle Arms pub where he was assaulted inside the car.

The men stole his takings, ran off across Gorgie Road and headed in the direction of Newton Street.

They are all in their early 20s and have Scottish accents.

One man is 5ft, of average build and has brown hair. He was wearing a light-coloured hooded jumper.

The second man is also around 5ft, skinny and was wearing a black hooded jumper with the hood up.

The third man is 5ft 10in, well built, with brown hair and was wearing a black, hooded, waist-length jacket.

Police said they were seen to gesture towards the driver of a foreign-registered Mercedes that passed as they crossed the road. Two women were also seen walking along Gorgie Road at the time.

Detective Constable Joyce Gunderson of Lothian and Borders Police said: “While the victim did not suffer any serious injury, he was left understandably shaken as a result of his ordeal, and we are appealing for any information that can help us trace those responsible.

“In particular, we want to trace the driver of the foreign-registered Mercedes seen driving in Gorgie Road as the suspects made their escape, and the two females who were seen walking along the road and would have seen the trio as they crossed the road into Newton Street.

“Anyone else who witnessed the assault, who recognises the descriptions of the suspects, or who has any other information that can assist our inquiries, should contact police immediately.”