Man robbed after blade threat

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was threatened with a weapon before being assaulted and robbed.

The incident happened around 9.45pm on Saturday, June 9, in East Hermitage Place.

A 45-year-old man was walking in the area near to the junction with Lochend Road when another man approached him and engaged him in conversation, before showing him a bladed weapon and demanding the man hand over his possessions.

A struggle ensued and the victim was cut to the arm before being repeatedly kicked and robbed of his wallet.

As the assault was taking place a passing motorist stopped and shouted at the suspect who then made off from the area.

The victim reported the matter to police yesterday and local enquiries are ongoing to trace the suspect.

He is described as white, around 6ft tall with a slim build and bald-headed with fair hair at the sides. He was wearing a green hooded top with white striped down the sleeves, dark tracksuit bottoms and had a small white dog with him at the time.

A police spokesman said: “The victim was not seriously injured as a result of this attack, but was left shaken and upset at being assaulted and robbed.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who was in or around East Hermitage Place or Lochend Road yesterday evening and remembers seeing anything suspicious, or who can help us identify the man responsible for this attack.

“In particular, we would like to speak to the motorist who stopped and shouted at the suspect and we would ask him to contact police immediately to assist with our enquiries.”

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.