A WOMAN was punched in the face by a cyclist following a rush hour driving dispute.
The 29-year-old was driving a red Volkswagen Golf on the A8, close to the RBS bridge, at around 5.15pm on Thursday, when she became involved in a row with a man on a bike.
Fearing she may have collided with him, the driver pulled over at the side of the road and when she got out of her vehicle the man repeatedly hit her in the face before cycling off.
The woman, who went to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, suffered a punctured eardrum as a result of the “vicious” attack.
Officers from Lothian and Borders Police force are now scouring CCTV footage from the area in a bid to identify the cyclist.
He is described as being white, between 30-35-years-old, and of athletic build.
He was wearing dark or purple lycra leggings with neon flashes on the side, a black and grey helmet, and he was riding what has been described as a hybrid type bike.
A police spokesperson said: “This has been a vicious attack on a woman who has been left with a perforated ear drum as a result.
“We know the road was busy at the time, and would appeal for anyone who may have seen what happened, or who may recognise the description of the cyclist, to get in touch.
“In addition, we would appeal directly to the cyclist himself to contact us so we can fully establish the circumstances.”
Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.
