Witness appeal after bag snatch bid

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man tried to snatch a pensioner’s handbag.

The man approached the 78-year-old woman in Blackwood Crescent about 4.15pm, and tried to pull the bag from her grasp. She started screaming, however, and the man ran off empty-handed.

The suspect is described as being white, in his late 30s, between 5ft 8ins - 6ft tall, of medium build, with short dark messy hair. He was wearing a blue zip up top with dark grey jeans and dirty trainers.

A police spokesman said: “We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the suspect in the area around the time of the incident, or who may have any information relating to this incident, to contact us on 0131 311 3131.”

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