A taxi driver was dragged from his car by a gang of youths during a racist attack in Edinburgh.

One of the group of ten teenagers jumped on the bonnet of the taxi and smashed the windscreen.

The attackers stole a three-figure sum of money from the driver in Pilton.

Police said the driver was targeted on West Pilton Place around 6.55pm on Sunday.

The same group of youths, who are believed to be aged between 14 and 20, had earlier stepped out in front of his car at the junction of Crewe Road Gardens and West Pilton Place before stealing an item from his boot.

Detective constable Euan Hair said: "We are treating this assault and robbery as racially motivated and are determined to track down these suspects as quickly as possible.

"This man was simply going about his legitimate business and he has a right to do so without being assaulted.

"There is no place for racism in our communities and we will use all resources available to deal with those responsible swiftly."

Barbara Beaufoy, secretary of local community group Tenants & Residents In Muirhouse (Trim) and Friends of West Pilton, condemned the attack.

She said: "Trim and Friends of West Pilton were appalled to hear of the assault and robbery of a taxi driver. We believe that everyone, going about their normal daily lives, has the right to do so in safety and not fall victim to anti-social or criminal behaviour.

"We have been relentlessly campaigning, for years, for help to stop all the incidents of [stealing] cars and motorcycles, speeding and reckless driving, theft, malicious damage, assault and all anti-social behaviour.

"Unfortunately, our community pleas fall on deaf ears - those with the authority to stop it do not invoke that authority and our community pays the price for that. With this in mind we will now seek to meet with Michael Matheson Cabinet secretary for Justice."

The teenage boy who jumped on the taxi is described as tall, of slim build and was wearing a red top.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101.