Witness appeal after teenager robbed by gang in city centre

Police are appealing for information following an assault and robbery which took place around 12.30am on Tuesday 31 July on Heriot Place, near to the Flodden Wall.

An 18-year-old man walking with friends along Lauriston Place was approached by a group of five youths who confronted him before one of the group punched him to the face.

The victim ran from the suspects and dropped a black bag containing a pair of headphones, which two of the suspects then stole.

Friends of the victim were then threatened verbally by the remainder of the group and also fled on to Heriot Place.

The 18-year-old suffered minor facial injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

The suspects are all described as white and aged around 14-16-years old. Three were male and two female.

The first suspect who assaulted the victim is described as being around 5ft 9ins tall, of slim build with short dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing with a hood and a snood, and spoke with a Scottish accent.

The second suspect is described as around 5ft 3ins tall, of slim build, and had short blond hair with a thick fringe. He was wearing dark clothing and spoke with a Scottish accent.

The third suspect is described as around 5ft 4ins tall, of slim build, with blond hair. He was wearing a waterproof zip-up top.

The two females are described as being around 5ft 5ins tall. One was of slim build, was wearing a grey hooded top, dark coloured trousers, and had a Scottish accent. The second was of medium build and had blond hair tied in a bun. She was wearing a grey jumper and dark trousers.

Detective Constable Leigh Inglis from Gayfield CID said: “This was an appalling attack and a traumatic experience for the victim and his friends.

“As part of our enquiries we are particularly eager to speak to a woman who was within an address on Lauriston Place and who shouted at the suspects during the incident.

“Equally anyone who may have been in the area and who saw the suspects, or witnessed what happened, is asked to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Gayfield CID via 101, quoting incident number 0079 of 31 July, or report this to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.