Lothian and Borders Police are continuing their appeal for witnesses following an armed robbery at an Edinburgh jewellers yesterday evening.
Two women were working within the front of the store at around 5.15pm when two men entered wearing hooded tops and concealing their faces.
One of the men was in possession of an axe and began smashing the glass display cabinets while the other man produced what is believed to be a dark-coloured handgun.
After placing large quantities of jewellery with an estimated value of £1million into rucksacks both men exited the store and made off from the area on a black Honda 650 motorcycle.
The bike was later found abandoned within Northumberland Street North West Lane along with the axe and both have now been sent for forensic analysis.
Officers are now keen to speak with anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity in either George Street or Northumberland Street North West Lane yesterday evening.
High-visibility police patrols have been deployed in the area and will engage with local residents and businesses to offer reassurance and crime prevention advice where required.
The man who used the axe within the shop is described as wearing a dark-coloured top and jogging bottoms with a stripe down the sleeve and leg.
The other man is described as wearing a dark top and dark jogging type trousers.
Witnesses describe one of the men speaking with an English accent, while the other is described as having a local accent.
Detective Chief Inspector Bobby Deas said:- “This was a terrifying ordeal for the shop staff to endure, although, thankfully, neither was injured as a result.
“An estimated £1million worth of jewellery was stolen during this incident and we are conducting various lines of enquiry to trace these items and identify those responsible for their theft.
“The motorcycle, which was used during the suspects’ getaway, is believed to have made a lot of noise as it sped off and members of the public who were nearby would have heard it.
“We would now urge anyone who remembers seeing or hearing the bike, or who recognises the description of the riders to contact police immediately.
“Similarly, anyone with any other information that can assist with our enquiries is also asked to come forward.”
Those with information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.
(Our photo shows the shop while refitting was taking place last year. We will have a new photo later this afternoon!)
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
