A blind and disabled man has been assaulted and robbed in his own home.

The victim, who uses crutches and a wheelchair, suffered a cut to his face and was knocked to the ground during the "despicable and opportunistic" theft.

The 39-year-old was in his Edinburgh home shortly before 1pm yesterday when there was a knock on his door.

When he opened it, a man forced his way into the Broughton Road property, wielded a sharp object and robbed the man of various possessions.

The victim suffered the facial cut and was knocked to the ground during a struggle before the intruder fled from the property.

Officers at Lothian and Borders Police are looking to speak to anyone who can help them catch the suspect.

He is said to be about 5ft 10ins and slim. He had a local accent and is thought to be in his mid twenties or early thirties.

The intruder also had a strong smell of stale body odour, smoke and alcohol.

Detective Sergeant Dave Pinkney said: "This was a despicable and opportunistic theft which targeted a vulnerable man who was virtually unable to defend himself.

"Despite his visual impairment, the victim has provided us with a fairly detailed description of the suspect and we are carrying out enquiries within the local community to identify him.

"Anyone who was in the Broughton Road area on Wednesday afternoon and remembers seeing anything suspicious, or who can help us trace the man responsible for this crime, is asked to contact police immediately."

Anyone with information can police on 0131 311 3131.