A woman was assaulted and robbed on a cycle path. Picture: Steve Scott Taylor

The 22-year-old was struck in the face before the attacker grabbed her purse, which contained a three-figure sum.

He then fled on his bike towards Ferry Road after the incident on a secluded cycle path between Craigleith and Davidson’s Mains.

Police are now investigating the attack, which took place around 2.30pm on Tuesday.

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Detective Sergeant Robbie Wallace, who is based at Corstorphine Police Station, said: “This was a brazen attack that left the young woman with painful injuries.

“She was, understandably, left shaken by this incident and we are determined to trace this man as quickly as possible.

“The cycle path is normally well used by members of the public, cyclists, dog walkers, etc and I would urge anyone who remembers any suspicious activity to come forward immediately.

“At this stage in our inquiry we cannot rule out the possibility of more than one suspect, so I again ask people to think hard and get in touch if they remember one or more males heading northwards along the cycle path towards Drylaw.”

Those with information should contact police on 101 or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.