Knifeman holds up busy cafe

A CAFE boss today told how a masked knife-wielding robber threatened staff and customers before making off with the day's takings.

The thief, whose face was covered by a scarf, burst into the Metropole cafe in Newington Road at 5.30pm on Sunday as staff dealt with the early evening rush.

Despite waving the eight-inch long kitchen knife at a male worker behind the counter, the employee at first refused to hand over any cash.

He relented after the 20 customers in the cafe urged him to surrender the money and ensure no-one was injured.

Today, cafe manager, John Paul Ranaldi, praised the way his staff handled the incident and appealed to anyone with information on the robber's identity to contact police.

He said: "The male assistant was pouring someone a drink at the counter while his female colleague was in the kitchen preparing an order.

"Suddenly, this guy came in waving a knife and demanding everyone stayed still.

"He told customers to put any mobile phones down and the assistant to put money into a bag.

"The assistant refused at first but some customers urged him to give them the money and get the whole thing over with.

"He opened the till and let the guy grab what he wanted."

The robber fled the cafe with a three-figure sum of cash and went south down Newington Road, and the staff immediately called police then Mr Ranaldi, who arrived ten minutes after the robbery took place.

Mr Ranaldi added: "It was a big shock for the staff and the customers, but the saving grace is that no-one was hurt.

"This person came into the cafe at 5.30pm on a Sunday, which is one of our busiest times.

"The place was packed so he took a big risk. He must've thought there would be more takings to get that way.

"We closed the cafe afterwards because the police had so many people to interview.

"Our members of staff did the right thing as the safety of our employees and customers is most important."

The suspect is described as white, aged 17 to 25, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10in tall, with a slim build.He was wearing a grey or olive green-coloured hooded top or jacket.

A police spokesman said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the shop assistant who was threatened.

"We are appealing for any information that can help us trace the suspect.

"The cafe was busy with customers at the time of the robbery, and we want to speak to any customers who witnessed the incident who have not yet been in touch with police.

"Anyone who was there, or in the vicinity of the cafe and may have noticed the suspect acting suspiciously, should contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who recognises his description, or who has any other information that can help our inquiries, should also get in touch."

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.