Police are looking to trace three men in connection with two armed robberies in Edinburgh and Hillend on Friday.
The first incident happened at around 6:40am when the suspects pulled up outside Gilmerton Newsagents on Drum Street.
One of the men stayed with the vehicle while the other two entered the premises, one carrying a bladed weapon, and demanded money from the shopkeeper.
They then made off on the motorbike with three-figure sum of money and were last seen turning onto Ferniehall Drive and then onto Old Dalkeith Road heading in the direction of Sheriffhall.
Meanwhile, in a similar incident, three men on a motorbike drew up at an Esso petrol station on the A702, Biggar Road, Hillend, at around 7:50am.
As before, one man stayed with the vehicle while the other two entered the premises. They were wearing hoodies and scarves over their faces and spoke with local accents.
They also carried bladed weapons and made off with a number of packets of cigarettes.
A major investigation is now underway involving specialist police units including air support and dog handlers.
Police are appealing for the assistance of the public in an effort to trace the trio as quickly as possible.
Detective Inspector Steven Bertram of Police Scotland said: “We believe both incidents are linked and due the brazen nature in which they were carried out officers are eager to arrest all three men and ensure they are brought to justice.
“Traffic in this area of the city would be building up around the time of these offences and I am sure the sight of three men travelling at speed on a motorbike would have caught the attention of passing motorists.
“I would appeal to anyone who saw these men or who has information that can assist with our ongoing investigation to please contact police on 101 or, alternatively the charity Crimestoppers anonymously 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.
