Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after a 39-year-old man was assaulted and robbed within an Edinburgh common stair.
The incident happened around 11am yesterday at an address in Coatfield Lane.
The man had left his flat to take out a rubbish bag when he passed five men loitering within the common stair. After passing the men a second time and depositing another bag of rubbish in the bin, the man was making his way back to his flat when he was struck in the head.
Two of the suspects then restrained the man before another presented a knife and demanded money. The victim was robbed of cash before his attackers made off towards Constitution Street.
Police are now asking anyone who may have seen the men to come forward.
The first suspect is described as white, early 30s, 6ft 1in tall with a skinny build and a scruffy looking appearance. He had dark brown hair and was wearing a green raincoat, jeans and white trainers.
The second suspect is described as white, early 30s, 5ft 10ins tall with a scrawny build and a scruffy looking appearance.
The third suspect is described as white, early 30s with a slim build and dark brown wavy hair. He was wearing a greyish brown woollen jumper.
The fourth and fifth suspects are described as being white, early 30s, between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall and scruffy in their appearance.
A police spokesman said: “The victim was not physically injured but was left shaken by the robbery and we are now keen to trace the men responsible.
“Anyone who was in or around the Coatfield Lane area and remembers seeing a group of men matching the description of the suspects is asked to contact police immediately.
“Similarly, anyone with information that can assist our enquiries is also asked to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.
