Pensioner robbed on city street

An 84 year-old woman was been left 'shaken and upset' after her purse was stolen on Edinburgh's Brunswick Street.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a pensioner was robbed

The pensioner was confronted by another woman who offered to carry her shopping bags.

But a short time later the suspect stole the victim’s purse while she was distracted.

The incident happened around 4.30pm on Sunday as the pensioner was walking towards Montgomery Street, and police are now appealing for witnesses.

The suspect is described as white, around 30 to 40-years-old, with shoulder length, straight black hair and spoke with a local accent.

She was wearing a navy, knee-length coat with black leggings, and was carrying a black and white patterned handbag.

Police Constable David Lee, of Leith Police Station, said: “This is a shocking crime where the person has deliberately taken advantage of a vulnerable elderly woman.

“The victim is understandably shaken and upset.

“Shoppers leaving a nearby Tesco or anyone in the surrounding area may have seen the suspect talking to the victim.

“I’m appealing to anyone who saw a woman that fits this description around that time on Sunday to contact us.”

Those with any information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.