Armed gang rob betting shop in Portobello

An armed gang threatened betting shop staff with a gun before escaping with a four-figure sum of cash.

Police are hunting for three suspects. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

The incident happened around 7.55pm at the Ladbrokes store on Portobello High Street.

Three men entered the premises and presented a handgun and hammer at the 21-year-old male member of staff before making off with a four-figure sum of cash.

Following the robbery all three men were seen getting into a black Audi A1 car, which drove off from the area.

Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their investigation to come forward.

The first suspect is described as white, around 5ft 6ins tall with a slim build and wearing a white paper boiler suit with the hood up, a black balaclava, black trainers with white soles, black gloves and spoke with a local accent. He was also in possession of the handgun.

The second suspect is described as whit, over 6ft tall with a medium to stocky build and wearing an orange/red hooded top with the hood up, white dust mask, black sunglasses, light-coloured trousers, dark shoes, black gloves and spoke with a local accent.

The third suspect is described as white, over 6ft tall with a medium to stocky build and wearing a white paper boiler suit with the hood up, white dust mask, dark shoes. He also spoke with a local accent and was in possession of the hammer.

About 8.10pm a black Audi A1 was abandoned in the Stuart Grove area of Danderhall and four men were seen exiting the vehicle before running off towards a lane leading to Arthur View.

Two of these men were seen to be wearing white paper boiler suits.

Detective Inspector Alan O’Brien said: “Thankfully, the staff member was not injured during this robbery, but this was a terrifying experience, which left him understandably shaken.

“Police will have a high-visibility presence in the area while we conduct our investigation and we are eager to speak to anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in the Portobello High Street area on Monday evening.

“There is no evidence at this time to suggest this incident is linked to the robbery at the jewellery store in Edinburgh’s city centre. However, anyone with information relevant to our ongoing enquiries is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.