Police are appealing for information after a 65-year-old man was assaulted and robbed in Leith early this morning.
The incident happened around 4:30am as the man made his way towards Leith Walk where he intended to board a bus in order to go to work.
He took a short cut through Springfield Street and observed two men standing in a doorway. As he approached Leith Walk, near to The Cask and Still pub, he was knocked to the ground from behind and assaulted resulting in bruising to the body and head.
During the attack, his mobile phone fell out of his pocket and was taken by one of the males. The victim had been carrying a blue work holdall containing a small quantity of cash inside, which was also taken.
The two men then ran off back down Springfield Street heading west.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who may know the men or can assist with their ongoing enquiries.
The suspects are white, around 16-18-years-old, around 5ft 7in tall with a slim build and have local accents. Both have short brown hair however one was wearing a dark coloured t-shirt with light coloured tracksuit bottoms while the other wore a long sleeved top that had a light coloured lower half as well as black panels on its shoulders and light coloured tracksuit bottoms.
Detective Constable Stephen Herd said: “This was a traumatic experience for the victim and we are very keen to catch the two males responsible as quickly as possible.
“I would urge anyone who was in the area of the The Cask and Still pub at around the time of this assault and robbery, and who remembers seeing or hearing anything suspicious to contact police immediately on 101. Alternatively, information can be passed confidentially via the charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
