Witness appeal following ‘disturbing and violent’ robbery

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman in her 60’s suffered minor injuries to her leg and arm following a robbery in Bangor Road around 5.30pm yesterday.

A man approached her from behind, grabbed her arm and began to wrestle her pink and purple Ness handbag from her arm.

During the struggle, she fell and was dragged a short distance before the suspect got the bag from her and ran off in the direction of The Quilts and Ferry Road.

Officers are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the robbery to please get in contact. They are particularly keen to speak to a female cyclist who stopped to help the woman and a group of young males who saw the suspect run away with the bag.

The suspect is described as being male, in his mid-20’s, 6ft tall, of medium build with broad shoulders and clean shaven. He spoke with a local accent.

Detective Sergeant Mark Lumsden of Gayfield Square CID said: “Thankfully the woman was not seriously injured but this was a disturbing and violent attack on a woman in broad daylight.

“We are keen to trace the individual responsible and would ask anyone who witnessed the robbery to please get in contact with us.

“We’re particularly keen to hear from the female cyclist who stopped to help her and a group of young males who were also in the area when it happened.”

Anyone who has information that can assist officers is asked to contact them on 101 quoting incident number 3035 of 13th June or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.