OAP fights off female knife mugger

Published on Tuesday 7 April 2009 09:39

A PENSIONER has fought off a knife-wielding female attacker who tried to steal her handbag in broad daylight.

The woman, 66, was walking home from the shops in the Bathfield area of

Leith when she was approached by the woman.

Police said she produced a "bladed weapon" and ordered the pensioner to hand over her handbag.

However, the pensioner refused to give up her bag and a struggle ensued, with the pensioner falling to the ground.

The woman she suffered no injuries.

The suspect fled the scene in the direction of Fort House empty-handed after the incident which happened on Saturday at around 2.30pm.

A police spokesman said: "Fortunately the suspect failed to make off with the bag and the woman was not injured as a result of the incident."

He added: "Nevertheless, we are treating this incident extremely seriously."

&#149 A 28-year-old woman appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday in connection with the incident.