Police are appealing for information following two robberies in the capital where the victims had their handbags stolen.
The first incident happened around 5.40pm on Sunday 22 October when a 42-year-old woman was approached by two men as she pushed her disabled 25-year-old son in his wheelchair along Crown Street.
The suspect knocked the woman sideways and grabbed her handbag from her shoulder. This caused a struggle during which the woman’s son fell from his wheelchair.
Both suspects then then ran off down Crown Street with the woman’s handbag.
The first suspect is described as a black male, tall, medium build, aged 17 -18 with short curly dark hair.
The second suspect is described as a white male, tall, aged 18-19, medium build with light brown hair. He was described as wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up around his face.
At around 7.45pm on the same day a 25-year-old woman was walking north on Bellvue Road when she was approached from behind by two men.
The first suspect then grabbed the woman’s phone from her hand and ran off.
The second suspect pushed the woman to the ground, kicked her, and stole her handbag.
Both suspects were seen making off down Mcdonald Place and onto Mcdonald Street.
The first suspect is described as a white male, aged 25-30, around 5ft 9ins tall and of slim build. He was described as wearing a dark jacket with the hood up and dark trousers.
The second suspect is described as a white male, aged 25-30, around 5ft 7ins tall, slim build, with light brown hair. He was described as wearing a green jacket with the hood up, a grey scarf with black stripes, dark grey jogging bottoms and black trainers.
Thankfully none of the victims were injured.
Detective Sergeant Mark Lumsden of Gayfield CID said: “We are eager to speak to anyone who may have witnessed either incident or knows who is responsible.
“I would ask anyone who recognises the description of the suspects and can help us identify them to please come forward.
“We do not believe that these incidents are linked, however, would appeal for anyone with information on either incident to contact us immediately.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland 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.
