A gang of hoodies on mopeds chased a teenage cyclist through a city centre and assaulted him in a late night mugging.

The 19-year-old was pursued for around a quarter of a mile by six hooded males riding four mopeds from Howe Street to St Vincent Place, in Edinburgh, at around 2am this morning.

The gang chased him down until he fell off his bike, assaulted him and took his pedal cycle and a bag.

The victim was assisted by a female passerby after the hoodies fled and police are now appealing for her to come forward.

The bike is a blue Cove make mountain bike style and "Stiffie" model, with yellow forks, orange pedals and green bars.

The first suspect is described as white, 16-years-old, skinny build, 5ft 2in to 5ft 5in, long black hair, pale complexion, wearing a dark grey hoodie, light grey jogging bottoms and white trainers.

The other five suspects are described as youths in grey hoodies with hoods pulled tight around their faces.

Three of the scooters were dark in colour and one was red.

Detective Constable Alison Wyllie said: "We are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which began on Howe Street leading to the suspects following the victim onto Abercrombie Place towards Fettes Row and St Vincent Place.

"Anyone who may see this bike, which is quite distinctive, should contact the police.

"We are particularly appealing to a lady who was in the area at the time and who assisted the victim following the attack to come forward, along with anyone who saw this group of males on the mopeds around the time of the incident."