Witness appeal after two hit in late-night muggings

A 21-year-old man had a number of items stolen from his pockets after being pinned against a wall by two men on Richmond Place, near the Pleasance, at around 11pm on Saturday.

Around four and a half hours later, a 22-year-old was pulled into a close by two men off Nicolson Street, where he had his wallet and phone stolen.

Police are now appealing for witnesses of both incidents, which they do not believe are linked.

Neither victim suffered serious injuries during the robberies, although they are both said to have been left shaken.

The Richmond Place incident happened at a time when many people are likely to have been in the area visiting pubs and heading to clubs.

The victim of the attack had been walking towards the Pleasance via West Richmond Street when he was pushed against a wall and robbed by the two suspects, both male and aged between 20 and 30.

When he resisted, the attackers pulled a knife and he was pushed to the ground and hit his head.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "The victim did not suffer any serious injury. However, he was left shaken as a result of his ordeal and we are appealing for any information that can help us trace those responsible.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area of Richmond Place around 11pm on Saturday who may have noticed the two suspects there should contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who recognises their descriptions, or who has any other information that can assist our inquiries, should also get in touch."

The first suspect is described as around 5ft 10ins, with a solid build and large shoulders. He was wearing a dark blue hooded top and dark blue jeans. The second man is described as around 6ft 1ins, with a solid build and facial hair. He was wearing a black hooded top with a shiny logo on the back.

The second incident, at 3.30am yesterday, happened as the 22-year-old victim passed Tesco on Nicolson Street. He was grabbed and pulled into Hardwell Close, where he was pinned to a wall by the two suspects who forced him to hand over his wallet and mobile phone.

Both suspects were male and described as being in their mid-20s, between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 8ins tall, slightly built and wearing caps. One suspect wore light clothing and the other dark.

A police spokesman said: "The victim did not suffer any injury, however, he was left extremely shaken as a result of what happened.

"We want anyone who was in the area at the time, who either witnessed the robbery or noticed the two suspects there, to contact us immediately.

"Anyone else who has any information that can help our inquiries should also get in touch."

Anyone with information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.