TER Wester Hailes

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a theft in the Wester Hailes area of the city.

The incident happened between 8.45am and 9am on the Union Canal towpath on Monday 12 August 2013.

A 33-year-old woman and her husband were walking their dog when the man suffered a seizure.

His wife put him into the recovery position and placed her jacket under his head.

At this time a male stopped to assist before running off.

The woman then discovered that her purse had been stolen from her jacket and contacted police.

Officers are conducting local enquiries to trace the male responsible and anyone who can assist with this investigation is asked to come forward.

The suspect is described as white around 5ft 6ins tall with a slim build and light-brown hair. He had two front teeth missing, a scar on his right cheek and was wearing a dark hooded top and grey jogging bottoms with orange stripes.

Inspector Stevie Dolan said: “This was a sickening and opportunistic theft that took place while the victim was tending to her husband.

“Anyone who was in or around the Union Canal towpath on Tuesday morning and remembers seeing this male is asked to contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone with any other information that can assist with our enquiries is also asked to get in touch.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.