A pensioner was attacked after he intervened to protect two young girls from a gang.

The man, who is in his 70s, suffered facial injuries in the incident at around 9.40pm on Tuesday on High Street in Loanhead, Midlothian.

He was approached by two girls who said they were being harassed by a group of teenagers.

Police said the man told the girls to leave the area and attempted to prevent the situation from escalating.

One of the gang, a teenage boy, then attacked the man, leaving him with a facial injury.

The suspect is described as white, 15 to 16 with light brown hair and of large build. He was wearing a light-coloured jacket.

Inspector John Dryden said: "This was a violent attack upon a vulnerable individual who was acting as a good Samaritan.

"We are eager to trace the person responsible for this attack, along with the other members of the group.

"Anyone who witnessed the attack, or recognises the description of the suspect, is asked to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.