Witness appeal following Canongate armed robbery

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at a city centre shop.

The incident happened around 6.40pm yesterday (Wednesday) at the Canongate Store in the Canongate.

A 21-year-old man was working alone within when four men entered and brandished knives.

Two of the suspects then seized the till, which contained a large three-figure sum of cash. A plastic container containing a two-figure sum was also stolen before the men made off into Bulls Close where they were lost to sight.

Officers are now conducting local enquiries to identify those responsible and anyone who can assist with their investigation is asked to come forward.

All of the men were wearing construction hats and facemasks covering their noses and mouths.

The first suspect is described as white, in his early twenties, 6ft tall with a medium build. He was wearing a high-vis jacket with a silver hooded top underneath and grey cotton bottoms.

The second suspect is describes as white and wearing a high-vis jacket with a hooded top underneath.

The third suspect is described as white, around 18-years-old, approximately 5ft 10ins tall and wearing a high-vis jacket.

The fourth suspect is described as white, around 16-years-old, approximately 5ft 4ins tall and wearing a black hooded top and bottoms.

Detective Constable Alison Wyllie said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the shopkeeper, though, fortunately, he was not injured during the robbery.

“The suspects were distinctively dressed and so anyone who recognises their description or who remembers seeing anything suspicious in the are is urged to contact police immediately.

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