Day: October 22, 2016

Police are appealing for information after an elderly woman had her purse stolen in Leith. The incident took place between 12.30pm and 1pm on Thursday (20 October) in Portland Street.

The woman, who is in her eighties, answered the door to a man who forced his way into the house. He then stole her purse from within the living room, which contained a three-figure sum of money, and left. The purse was later found in Blackie Road by four children, all under the age of ten, who handed this into Leith Police Station.

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 4ins tall, of slim build, 25-30 years old, with dirty brown hair, unshaven and wearing a navy zip-up top.

Detective Constable Chris Harding of Gayfield CID said: “We’re conducting a number of enquiries in an effort to trace the perpetrator and are appealing for the public’s help as part of this. Although the victim was uninjured, she was understandably very shaken and I’d urge anyone with information which can help to come forward.

“Anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who may have seen him in the Portland Street or Blackie Road area, is asked to get in touch. I also want to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to the children who found the purse and made the effort to hand this back in.”

If you have any information contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.