Police are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in the city centre. The incident happened around 4.15pm on Saturday, 3 December, on Mound Place.
A 44-year-old man was on his KTM motorbike travelling on Mound Place towards Princes Street stopped in traffic next to a stationary Lothian Bus when he was knocked off by a man.
The suspect tried to take the motorbike but an unknown member of the public came to the aid of the motorcyclist. 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.