A taxi driver has been assaulted and robbed by three men he picked up in his car.

The robbery happened at around midnight on Thursday after the private hire driver picked up the men from Harvesters Way in Edinburgh.

He drove them to McLeod Street in the Gorgie area of the city and parked close to Tynecastle Arms pub, where he was assaulted inside the car.

The men stole his takings, ran off across Gorgie Road and headed in the direction of Newton Street.

The men were all in their early 20s and had Scottish accents. One was 5ft, of average build with brown hair. He was wearing a light-coloured hooded jumper.

The second man was also around 5ft, skinny, and was wearing a black hooded jumper with the hood up.

The third man was 5ft 10in, well built, with brown hair, and was wearing a black hooded jacket.

Police said they were seen to gesture towards the driver of a Mercedes that passed as they crossed the road. Two women were also seen walking along Gorgie Road at the time.

Detective Constable Joyce Gunderson of Lothian and Borders Police said: "While the victim did not suffer any serious injury, he was left understandably shaken as a result of his ordeal, and we are appealing for any information that can help us trace those responsible.

"In particular, we want to trace the driver of the foreign-registered Mercedes seen driving in Gorgie Road as the suspects made their escape, and the two females who were seen walking along the road."