Police in East Lothian are looking to trace a male in connection with a handbag snatch in Prestonpans which happened shortly after 9:30pm last Thursday when a 59-year-old woman was walking with two of her friends along Rope Walk heading in the direction of Summerlee.
As all three women approached Redburn Road North, the unknown man ran towards them from behind before grabbing the woman’s handbag. He then made off along Rope Walk heading towards Inchview before being lost from view.
The woman was unharmed and raised the alarm with police moments afterwards.
Inquiries are now ongoing into this matter and anyone who witnessed the incident or who can help identify the male is asked to come forward.
The suspect is described as in his late teens or early 20’s, has a medium build and is between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall. He wore light coloured jeans and a dark coloured padded jacket with the hood up, which partially covered his face.
Detective Constable John Fortune who is based in Dalkeith and leading the inquiry said: “Although shaken the woman did not sustain any injury however such crimes are completely unacceptable and we are doing all we can to ensure the man responsible is swiftly arrested.
“Today, I’m urging anyone who has information relevant to our ongoing investigation to please make yourself known.
“In particular, I want to trace a male and female who were walking a dog near to Pennypit Sports Complex in Prestonpans who may have walked past the suspect shortly before the attack.”
Those with information are asked to contact police on 101 or alternatively 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.
