Police pledge to step up patrols after woman cyclist is pushed into water in latest in a series of assaults beside city canal
Police are increasing patrols near a city canal after several incidents of a man pushing people into the water.
Police Scotland are increasing patrols after a woman was pushed off her bike by a man on the canal path in Edinburgh, the latest in the spree of assaults.
The incident took place between Colinton and Slateford around 7pm on Wednesday.
An eyewitnesses said that there were four or five witnesses, who saw the man shouting at other passersby and appeared to be drunk.
After he pushed the woman, he shouted, “You shouldn't have done that,” before walking off.
The eyewitness continued: “The victim was pulled from the canal by one of them and we all stayed with her to make sure she was OK.
"A lady asked if the victim wanted to use her phone to call the police or her friends or family, as her phone was soaked with water, but she said she was all right.
"She insisted [she would]
bike home as her place was not far.
“She told us that she tried to avoid the guy and make her way through.
"But he was on the way and looked p **** d to see her coming his way.
"And then he pushed her in there. She was crying at him, ‘Why did you do that?’ when she was trying to stand up in the water.”
This incident in the latest in a series of similar incidents and police have released a description of the male suspect.
Sergeant Scott Walker of Edinburgh policing said: “Officers are aware of a number of incidents between Monday, 18 April, and Wednesday, 27 April, 2022, in which people have been pushed into a canal.
“In connection with our inquiries, we are searching for a white man in his sixties with a possible tanned complexion.
"He is between 5ft 7in and 5ft 10in, is of medium to stocky build with grey and balding hair.
“He was wearing dark clothing and was seen in a maroon jumper on Wednesday, 27 April.
“There will be increased patrols in the area.
"Anyone with information should contact police on 101.”