Attacker threatened woman with syringe during robbery

Published on Tuesday 5 February 2008 09:08

A YOUNG woman was robbed and threatened with a syringe during a "terrifying" attack in an Edinburgh street.

The 21-year-old was approached by a woman demanding money in Bothwell Street, Leith, at about 4pm on Sunday.

When she refused, her attacker threatened her with a needle claiming it contained blood contaminated with HIV.

The woman then handed over a small quantity of cash.

A police spokeswoman said: "Although not hurt, it would have been terrifying for the young woman involved to be threatened with a syringe.

"It's vital the woman responsible is caught and we would appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward."

The attacker is described as in her early 20s and 5ft 4in. She is very thin with a pale complexion and freckles and had long dyed blonde hair.

She was wearing a white puffer-style jacket at the time, police said.