Three men, including one aged 85, have been assaulted in a "despicable" unprovoked attack in Edinburgh.
The incident, in which the men were attacked by a group riding bicycles, happened in the Colinton area of the city at around 6.30pm on Tuesday.
Police Scotland said the 85-year-old was walking west along Redford Road, near Colinton Bowling Club, when he became aware of two men and a woman approaching him on bikes on the pavement.
He told the trio they should not be riding on the path, as he could not get past, but they reacted angrily and began shouting at him.
This prompted a 68-year-old man nearby to cross the road and intervene, but the woman shouted at him and punched him in the face. He fell to the ground and was then kicked and punched by one of the men.
Meanwhile, one of the attackers pushed the elderly man to the ground. At this point, a 65-year-old man ran over to help, but he too was pushed over.
The three suspects then fled the scene on their bikes along Redford Road.
None of the men were seriously injured but one was taken to hospital for assessment and has since been discharged.
Police are urging anyone who can help identify the suspects to come forward.
One of the men is said to be white, in his 20s, with a slim build and a goatee beard. He was wearing a light-coloured top and blue jeans.
The woman is also white, in her 20s, and has light-coloured wavy hair. She was wearing a light top and blue patterned trousers.
Chief Inspector Helen Harrison, of Wester Hailes police station, said: "This was a despicable attack carried out for absolutely no reason whatsoever and I can reassure the victims as well as the wider public that we will do everything in our power to trace and arrest these individuals.
"Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
"An extensive investigation is now under way including door-to-door inquiries and there will be an increased police presence in the area for the foreseeable future.
"I am eager to hear from anyone who recognises the descriptions of the attackers or who was in the area of Redford Road on Tuesday evening and who saw these suspects."
Officers can be contacted on 101 while Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111.
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