The moment an Edinburgh man attempted to confront a ‘tooled-up’ youth threatening a tourist has been caught on camera. The terrifying incident took place around 8pm on Thursday, May 7, at Hunter Square.
The individual, a 71-year-old local man, confronted the youth stealing a bike. A clip, shared with Edinburgh Live, shows the youth with his hood up appearing to threaten a tourist with a tool.
The 71-year-old claims the culprit was holding a metal wrench and swinging for the tourist.
In the clip, he walks up to the youth and attempts to scare him off. The young man, believed to be a teenager, starts swinging the wrench in his direction before fleeing the scene.
The man approached the yout6h -Credit:Supplied
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, the local man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I witnessed the bike theft and tried to stop the thief at Hunter square.
“The youth was dressed in black and attempted to hit me and hit another man with a metal wrench.
“I trust someone can help identify the youth who was in a group of three – one riding a bike.
The youth was filmed holding a metal wrench
“Being a lot older and less mobile and faced with a young weapon yielding thug. I was in a vulnerable position and unable to chase or hold the bike.”
Police Scotland are aware of a bike theft and confirmed inquiries are ongoing.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Thursday, 7 May, 2026, officers received reports of the theft of bikes on Hunter Square, Edinburgh.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
On March 19, we reported another Edinburgh man chased off a group of youths after they nicked a bike.
He confronted the group of teenagers at Wintermill Square after spotting them riding the bike along the Water of Leith.
He suspected the bike was stolen and started asking members of the group questions about the vehicle. He turned the bike off before two young males, dressed in black while covering their faces, stepped away.