Pensioner robbed of treasured £2000 watch by muggers

The 65-year-old was grabbed and frisked by two men who demanded he hand over his possessions before making off with the valuable timepiece.

The victim, said to be deeply upset at the loss of the watch, was grabbed from behind while walking along Tower Place, near Leith Docks, at around 10:40pm on Monday night.

Police said one man held on to him, while a second man demanded he hand over his personal possessions.

The men searched him for valuables before making off with his watch, which fell to the ground during the assault.

Detective Constable Richie Creanor, of Lothian and Borders Police's violent crime unit, said: "He's obviously very shaken. He doesn't appear to have been deliberately targeted but appears to have been the victim of opportunist thieves who viewed him as an easy target due to his age.

"The watch is of dear sentimental value to him. It is around 30 years old and was handed down to him by a family relation.

"It was so valuable to him that he recently had it refaced, and there was obviously a significant cash value attached to it.

"We will be speaking to the restorers to see if they have a picture of the watch that might be able to help us with our enquiries."

Both men then made off along Tower Street towards the Malmaison Hotel and were lost to sight.

The victim was uninjured and reported the incident to police.

Officers are now eager to speak to anyone who was in the area or witnessed anything suspicious.

The suspects are both described as white, in their 20s, around 5ft 10ins tall with thin builds.

The individuals were wearing dark tops, dark jeans and dark trainers and spoke with local accents.

The stolen watch was a Gold Baume and Mercier with a white and yellow gold bracelet and black face and is valued at 2000.

A police spokesman said: "Fortunately the victim did not suffer any injuries, however, he is deeply upset at having had a valuable watch stolen from him.

"Anyone who was in or around Tower Street and witnessed the incident or recognises the description of the suspects is asked to contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone with information that can assist with our enquiries should also come forward."

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