Robber flees empty-handed after gun raid at city bookie

A MAN brandishing what is thought to be a gun tried to rob a city bookmakers.

Police are appealing for more information following the attempted armed robbery at Fernieside Racing in Gilmerton yesterday afternoon.

The suspect entered the shop in Fernieside Crescent brandished what appeared to be a firearm at the shop assistant.

He demanded money, but fled empty-handed. The incident happened at around 3pm. He is described as white, in his late teens or early twenties, 5ft 8" tall, and wearing a dark jacket with the hood up, and dark jeans. It is possible that he also had a tooth missing, or a noticeable gap in his teeth.

A police spokesman said: "Although no-one was injured this was an extremely serious incident that caused great distress to those working in the premises."