Police hunt for armed robbers

POLICE are hunting a pair of armed robbers who slashed a man during a hold-up outside a city pub before assaulting and trying to rob a taxi driver just three hours later.

The first robbery bid took place on Constitution Street in Leith when the suspects threatened a 45-year-old man with a blade outside Nobles Bar.

The victim had just left the Port o' Leith pub at 12.35am last Saturday and was walking towards the junction with Bernard Street when he was approached from behind by the men. One of the suspects stood in front of the victim, while the other threatened him with the weapon from behind, pointing it into his back.

The victim refused to hand over any cash and ran into Nobles Bar before returning home later, finding he was injured and contacting police.

Around three hours later, two men approached a taxi driver parked on Commercial Street. The pair asked for a lift, but the driver refused, at which point one of the men punched him to the side of the head and attempted to grab items out of the cab. The driver was able to move off in the vehicle and prevent any items being stolen or any further injury to himself.

Police believe the incidents are linked and are appealing for anyone who noticed anything suspicious to come forward.

A police spokesman said: "Given the location of both of these attempted robberies and a similar description of the suspects, we believe the same individuals may have been responsible.

"The first victim was unable to see the object he was threatened with, but believes it was a knife. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured. The second victim was also fortunate to escape serious injury and make off with all his belongings. Nevertheless, we are keen to speak to anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity in the Constitution Street area or Commercial Street area.

"Similarly, we would urge anyone who recognises the suspects' description and can assist us in identifying them to contact police immediately."

The suspect who stood in front of the first victim is described as white, around 18 years old and around 5ft 9in tall, of medium build, with short, fair hair and a clean-shaven face. He was wearing tracksuit bottoms. The second suspect is described as a white male.

Local councillor Marjorie Thomas said: "I'm surprised that these incidents took place in such a popular and busy area, which has had a great deal of investment in recent years. I'm disappointed that this has happened but I hope that it will not scare people off from coming to the area because it has many very good bars and restaurants."