A mother has told of her horror after a family bike ride turned into a nightmare which saw her husband and three-year-old daughter knocked down by a hit and run motorbike thief.
Patrycja Tunia was left shocked and horrified when her husband, Tomasz, and three-year-old daughter, Lola, were hit by the robber on a cycle path in Edinburgh's Gilmerton area on Saturday.
Lola, who had been riding on the back of her father's bicycle, suffered just minor injuries, but Mr Tunia was knocked unconscious and lost his memory in the aftermath of the incident.
Police are attempting to trace the motorcyclist who had stolen the bike and fled the scene on foot after hitting the Tunias.
Mrs Tunia, 32, said: "I was riding ahead with our other twin daughter Olivia on my bike when the motorbike came speeding past. The next thing I knew Tomasz was lying on the ground unconscious.
"I didn't really see what happened but the motorbike was abandoned and Tomasz and Lola were on the ground.
"It was such a shock, my other daughter Olivia was screaming because she could see her dad was hurt. I think Lola was just in shock, she didn't say anything.
"I asked her if she was okay and she said she had hurt her head.
"Tomasz was unconscious for maybe four minutes and when he came round he couldn't remember anything. He didn't know where he was, who we were, or even what year it was.
"It was really upsetting for the children."
Police and paramedics were called to the scene and both Mr Tunia, 36, and Lola were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Lola was released a short time later, but Mr Tunia had to undergo a brain scan due to his memory loss and was kept in hospital for fours days.
His memory has now returned, however he still remembers nothing about the accident.
Mrs Tunia added: "It was just a horrible situation. This should have been a nice family bike ride.
"The police have tracked down the owner of the motorbike and they took DNA from the bike and the helmet that was left at the scene, but they've said they'll only be able to track the person down if he's already on their system.
"I just really want this person caught - at the very least to act as a warning to other people thinking of doing the same.
"It does seem to be a bit of a problem in this area, motorbikes being stolen and then driven too fast, it has to stop before someone is killed the next time."
Police say the thief was white, of slim build, average height and was wearing a red and blue top. He was travelling on a distinctive white triumph Tiger motorbike and was last seen making off towards Lasswade Road on foot.
Chief Inspector Mark Rennie, South East Area Commander, said: "This was a completely reckless and irresponsible act, and officers have been carrying out further forensic enquiries since then.
"I'd urge anyone with information about this collision, who saw the bike in the area around this time, or who recognises the description of the suspect to come forward.
"We take vehicle crime extremely seriously and have been carrying out additional patrols in the area in an effort to deter further behaviour and detect offenders.
"In the last week alone, we have arrested seven men in connection with the theft of motor vehicles and we need the continued help of the public to catch offenders.
"I'd encourage anyone with information regarding the theft or dangerous use of motor vehicles in the area to call the police immediately."
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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