A man was robbed by two balaclava-clad teenagers on BMX bicycles as he walked home from work.

The 50-year-old came across the two boys standing on Pennywell Gardens in Edinburgh at around 1.10am on Wednesday.

One of them made aggressive comments as he approached them, so he ignored them and walked away.

As he walked on the north side of the pavement he turned round to see the boys approaching on BMX bikes and wearing balaclavas.

They punched the man in the head and repeatedly kicked him while he was on the ground, before stealing his rucksack and other personal items.

The pair made off towards Pennywell Road after being disturbed by a taxi as it drove past.

The shocked victim went home before calling police.

Both suspects are described as white, and both with local accents.

The first suspect was aged around 18, about 5ft 6in tall, with a slim build and short black hair.

The second suspect is believed to be as young as 15 with a medium build and fair hair.

DC Ross Nicol said: "Fortunately the presence of a taxi prompted the suspects to halt their attack and flee the area.

"Today I urge anyone who witnessed this incident or the suspects to come forward. In particular, I would be interested to hear from the taxi driver who was travelling on Pennywell Gardens in the early hours of Wednesday."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.