Appeal following attempted robbery, Balerno

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after two men tried to steal a dog from a man before assaulting him in Balerno.

The 43-year-old was walking in a field near to National Cycle Route 75 and Lanark Road West between 5.15pm and 5.30pm on Tuesday, 13 February, 2024. One of the men tried to take the dog and the other assaulted the owner with a knife.

He was later taken by ambulance to Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Officers are keen to trace the two men. The first is described as: white, around 50, stocky build, 5’ 6”, ginger greying beard, wearing a black thermal beanie hat, black puffer jacket and with a local accent. The second is described as: white, slim build, 5’ 10”, 20-to-30-years old, clean shaven, wearing a hat, a black jacket with green writing, pale blue denim jeans, tan coloured boots.

They made off towards Ravelrig Road and were lost to sight.

Detective Inspector Martin Smith, of Edinburgh CID, said: “This appears to be an attempt to rob the man of his dog, and it is vital that we establish the full circumstances of what happened and trace the men responsible.

“I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday who saw or heard anything suspicious. Similarly, anyone with private CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam of the area is urged to review the footage and bring anything significant to our attention.

“Officers will be carrying out additional patrols in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.”

Anyone with any information can call 101, quoting incident 2591 of Tuesday, 13 February, 2024.