Police appeal after Wester Hailes robberies

Police are appealing for witnesses after two robberies in Wester Hailes.

A 57-year-old woman was walking through Hailesland quarry, close to the bus station, around 7am yesterday when she was approached by two men. One of them grabbed her handbag and the pair ran off in the direction of Longstone.

Both men are described as white, wearing black clothing, and with their faces covered.

Around the same time, a 29-year-old man was walking in Dumbryden Drive when he was approached by three men, one of whom threatened him with a hypodermic needle.

The trio escaped with the victim’s mobile phone and a small sum of cash, heading towards Dumbryden Gardens.

All the men were again described as white, and wearing black clothing.

A police spokesman said: “While no-one was injured, both victims have been left shaken as a result of what happened, and we are appealing for any information that can assist our inquiries.

“We cannot rule out the possibility that the two incidents are linked, and we would urge anyone who was in the area of Hailesland Quarry or Dumbryden Drive around 7am, who noticed a group of men acting suspiciously, to contact police.

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