Police are appealing for information following a theft in the Royal Mile which took place around 12.45pm on Thursday when a woman had her purse stolen outside Hector Russell.
The culprit was pursued down North Gray’s Close by a member of the public, who was able to recover the purse.
The victim is described as an Asian woman, possibly of Chinese origin, 5ft 8inches tall, in her thirties, with black hair.
She was wearing glasses, a brown top and trousers.
The suspect is described as a white man, in his late teens, 5ft 10inches tall, with a slim build.
He was wearing a dark blue or navy jacket with the hood up, and white stripes on top of the hood. He was wearing grey cotton jogging bottoms and black Nike trainers with luminous yellow rims and white soles.
Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said: “This incident was reported to us by two concerned witnesses, and I want to extend my thanks to them for coming forward.
“At this time, we’ve yet to trace the victim and would ask her to get in touch as soon as possible.
“Anyone who recognises the description of the suspect or saw a man matching this description in the area at the time is also asked to get in touch.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, or contact 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.
