An Edinburgh student says he was "terrorised" by a gang of yobs on electric bikes who threw a drink in his face and went on to harass walkers in a city park.
Edinburgh Live reports that the alleged incidents took place on Tuesday May 3, just before midnight, in the area of The Meadows in the capital.
The 26-year-old academic, who asked not to be identified, was walking through the popular park when a group of youths wearing balaclavas starting circling him before chucking a fizzy drink in his face.
The gang then reportedly hit a woman who was walking past with her partner and intimidated other passersby.
Police say they are aware of the incidents and are making enquiries.
But the student - who stands at over 6ft tall - believes the situation may have been worse if the gang had targeted someone of a smaller stature.
He said: "I was walking on North Meadows walk yesterday at around midnight.
"I heard electric motorbikes coming in an aggressive manner from behind.
"I have seen them before around doing tricks, riding aggressively and I heard they were aggressive to people.
"So, when I turned around to see, one of them splashed orange juice into my face. I stopped for a minute, because it went into my eyes and nose.
"Than I seen them stop as well, so I took my phone to take the video to report them later."
When the student stopped to film the bikers the situation escalated and the teens would not leave him alone.
He continued: "One of the guy started to get closer to me. I kept taking the video, and tried to have the guy in front of me because I thought he might take my phone out from my hand.
"He was telling me to not take the video. But then the rest of the gang started to get closer as well.
"I stopped the video because with many of them on bikes they could get behind and take my phone.
"They also looked like they want to fight. Then as I saw a couple coming by. I suddenly shout on them to call the police et cetera.
"I think the gang got a bit surprised because until that time I didn't speak.
"But we joined forces with the couple and started to walk out of The Meadows towards the city and more light.
"They didn't follow and we tried to warn people passing by."
The student says the couple he left the park with told him they had been attacked by the gang - and others later informed him on social media that they too had been targeted by the louts.
He added: "Some of them said they were splashed into face with a drink, or they were hit behind and other aggressive behaviour like throwing eggs or stones.
"The girl from the couple phoned the police after we got out of the Meadows.
"But I wanted to share it online so if people see them, they get together. Especially ladies.
"I'm a 6.2ft, 90kg guy. I think that's why the guy who got closer first was reluctant to further attack me or something, which you can see on the video.
"He went on sideways to take his balaclava on. But for others who are more vulnerable they might do other things."
Sergeant Barry Mercer of Police Scotland's Edinburgh Division said: “Officers were called to reports of motorbike riders causing a disturbance on Melville Drive at around 11.50pm on Tuesday, 3 May, 2022.
“Enquiries are ongoing and we would encourage anyone who has information or footage of the incident to contact the police.
“We are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and will continue to monitor the area.”
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