Visiting professor punched in face and robbed in Edinburgh Published duration 16 October 2015

image copyright Police Scotland image caption The attackers were seen in a green Renault Clio car

A visiting professor who had just arrived in the capital for a conference at Edinburgh University was punched in the face and robbed.

The 42-year-old woman was attacked by two men in Richmond Place before she reached her accommodation at about 22:40 on Wednesday.

After being punched in the face, her laptop and handbag was stolen.

The attackers were Mediterranean or French Algerian in appearance and French speakers.

They were seen in a green Renault Clio car.

Witness appeal

The first man was in his 20s, about 5ft 9in tall, of slim build with a tanned complexion and short, dark hair shaved at the sides and slightly longer on top.

He had designer-type stubble and a goatee beard. He was wearing a black jacket, dark trousers, and possibly jeans and dark shoes.

The second attacker was about 5ft 7in or 8in tall, of heavy build, with a tanned complexion and stubble.

He was in his 20s or 30s with black hair, also shaved at the sides and slightly longer on top.

He was wearing a red T-shirt with a dark-coloured or navy jacket over it. The jacket had a badge on the front left side and two small diagonal red stripes on the back hem.

'Abhorrent attack'

He was also wearing navy tracksuit bottoms, with three stripes down the side of the legs, and training shoes.

Both men left the scene in the direction of Lidl's car park or the Kenneth McKenzie Building.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Det Con John McShane, of Police Scotland, said: "This was an abhorrent attack on a visitor to Edinburgh.

"Thankfully she was not seriously injured but she was left shaken and shocked.

"We would urge anyone who saw these men or who have information that can assist us with our inquiries to contact us so we can bring them to justice."