Investigation underway following armed robbery in Leith

A major investigation is underway after three men armed with
a sledgehammer and axes robbed a jewellery store in Leith around 11am this morning.

The masked men made off in a black Volkswagen Golf registration no SM66 BJZ  driven by a fourth man, which had been stolen during a housebreaking in Swanston View at some point between 10pm on Friday and 8am on Saturday.

The getaway car was found abandoned in Giles Street at around 12pm.

The robbers who were wearing black jackets made from a shiny material with their hoods up used garments to cover their faces and wore black gloves.

A 55-year-old employee of the shop was injured in the incident.

An investigation led by Gayfield CID is under way and anyone
with information is asked to come forward.

Detective Inspector Mark Lumsden said: “This was a
brazen and extremely shocking robbery that caused great alarm and distress to
the employee within, as well as resulting in him sustaining injury.

“We believe the same individuals responsible for the
housebreaking and theft of the car in Swanston ‎View were also responsible for
the armed robbery and we are keen to establish where they have been before,
during and after these incidents.

“Anyone who saw the Volkswagen Golf between 10pm on
Friday and midday on Saturday and can help us confirm its movements ‎throughout
the city until it was abandoned should contact police immediately.

“Similarly if you have any relevant dashcam footage, or
other information that may be of use to our investigation, then please also get
in touch.”