Pensioner's terror as mugger strikes in city underpass

The 62-year-old victim was assaulted and robbed as she walked through the tunnel leading from Bingham to Craigmillar at around 8am yesterday.

The suspect, believed to be a boy aged around 15, approached the woman from behind and made a grab for her handbag.

The victim tried to fight off her attacker in a bid to hold on to her bag, suffering the injury to her shoulder during the struggle. The mugger made off with her bag, containing her mobile phone, bank cards and a sum of cash, and was last seen heading towards the Bingham flats.

Two men came to the aid of the woman, who police said sustained a "painful injury" in the incident. She was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment as police launched an appeal for witnesses.

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 3in tall with a slim build. He was wearing black clothing and a black hooded top.

Police are particularly keen to speak to the men who assisted the victim after the theft in the hope that they may have information that can assist officers.

A force spokesman said: "This is a despicable act of theft that not only left an elderly woman very distressed, but also with a painful injury.

"We would like the two men who approached the woman following the incident to come forward as they may be able to provide us with information as to the suspect's movements.

"Similarly, anyone else with information that can help with our investigation should also contact us immediately."

The attack comes as new police figures showed that the number of assault and robberies in Edinburgh fell between April and December last year.

The figures revealed that 279 such attacks were carried out in the city against 338 for the same period in the previous year.

Anyone with any information can contact police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.