Newsagent seriously injured in Trinity robbery

A man has sustained serious injuries following the attempted robbery of a Trinity newsagents

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Police are appealing for witnesses following a failed robbery involving a significant assault in Trinity. The incident happened around 5.20pm on Friday (12 August) at a newsagents on the corner of South Trinity Road and Cargill Terrace.

Two men entered the store and demanded money, before attacking the shopkeeper and running from the store. The shopkeeper sustained serious injuries and the suspects were last seen running along Cargill Terrace.

The first suspect is described as 20 to 25-years-old, medium build, with a pale complexion and unshaven.

The second suspect is described as 35 to 40-years-old, slim build, pale complexion with gaunt features and unshaven.

Both suspects were wearing dark clothing and dark woollen beanie hats and one was wearing a dark body warmer.

Detective Sergeant Todd Rutherford, of Corstorphine CID, said: “This was a cowardly attack, and the shopkeeper bravely fought off the attackers despite a shocking level of violence and the serious injuries he sustained.

“At the time of the incident, it is likely there would have been pedestrians and drivers in the Cargill Terrace area and we know the suspects were loitering nearby the shop before the incident took place. If anyone has seen these men before, during or after the attack, please contact us.”

Those with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Photographer attacked and robbed on Granton foreshore

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Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery in Granton.

At around 10:30pm on Monday evening, a man in his 60’s was photographing the Forth bridges from the foreshore at Hanging Craig near Granton Harbour when he was approached by a man who engaged him in conversation.

Moments later the man assaulted the photographer and damaged his camera before stealing the camera’s memory card and running away.

Police are appealing for information and want to hear from anyone who can help identify the attacker.

He is described as white, around 5ft 11ins tall, medium build with short dirty blonde hair. He has a tattoo on his back and at the time of the attack he was carrying a dark rucksack, dark cargo style trousers and spoke with a foreign accent, possibly Eastern European. 

DC Joyce Gunderson at Corstophine police station said: “This was a cowardly attack that left the victim badly shaken. Needless to say, we are extremely keen to trace and arrest the suspect and I would urge anyone who was in the area or who recognises the description to get in touch.”

Those with information should contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police seek witnesses to walkway robbery

Cyclists may hold vital information

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Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery in North Edinburgh yesterday.

The incident happened around 6am near the Boswall Place exit on the walkway behind Morrisons that runs from Crewe Road North to Pilton Drive.

A 57-year-old man was approached and assaulted by six youths, who then stole his phone. The scene was attended by the Scottish Ambulance Service and the victim was treated for minor facial injuries.

The first suspect is described as a white male, around 5ft tall, 14-years-old, with a skinny build. He had short dark hair and was wearing a black tracksuit.

The second and third suspects are described as white males, 15-16 years old, around 5ft 5inches in height with skinny builds. They were dressed all in black and one of them was in possession of a bicycle.

The remaining three suspects are all described as white males, 17-18 years old, around 5ft 9inches tall with skinny builds. All were wearing grey cotton tracksuits.

The group were last seen heading in the direction of Crewe Road.

Detective Constable Chris Harding said: “This was an unprovoked and cowardly attack on a lone man as he went about his daily business and we’re urging anyone with information which can help with our enquiries to come forward.

“In particular, we’re eager to trace two cyclists who were in the area at the time of the incident and who may be able to assist us in identifying the suspects.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Chain reaction: Community rallies to support Forthview following bike thefts

Mackenzies serves up support for school hit by robbery

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The Forthview Primary School community was devastated when their storage shed was broken into over a holiday weekend in May. Thieves stole bikes which had been borrowed to help teach pupils cycling proficiency, leaving the school facing a potential bill of one thousand pounds it could ill-afford to pay.

Forthview’s Tracey Berry said at the time: “Bikes that we had borrowed, so that Bill Stobie could teach bike ability to P6, have been stolen, along with footballs and gardening equipment. We are responsible for the bikes: it will cost us about £1000 to replace the them!

“Our fundraising is meant to be for outings and activities for Forthview children, not replacing things that thoughtless people have stolen. If you find one please hand it to the school – the more we find, the less money we have to pay out from the school funds.”

An appeal went out to trace the stolen bikes (see NEN blog ‘Forthview break-in: can you help trace bikes?, 11 May) – and the community response has been nothing short of remarkable!

Forthview head teacher Eileen Littlewood said: “Not only have parents, grandparents and their friends rallied to make donations for us, but a fairly new restaurant in Davidson’s Mains contacted us when they heard about the theft. They are very eager to support the community in any way they can and they offered to hold a fundraising night where staff and other people could come and enjoy a taster menu with wine for £30 a head.

“Staff who went along had a wonderful evening and the food was delicious. We enjoyed 8 courses and half a bottle of wine each. The cuisine was superb and at the end of the evening, Grant and Jamie who are the partners in the business gave us every penny back – £550!

“They did not even want to cover the costs of the food. We have been overwhelmed by their generosity. As one staff member said: ‘what a fundraiser – we made a lot of money, had a brilliant meal and wine as well!’Forthview FundraiserThe business in question is Mackenzies Restaurant and Bar in Davidson’s Mains, which opened under new management at the end of April. Mine hosts Grant and Jamie are local lads- from Granton and Wardieburn – and together with Grant’s partner Trisha pledged to help a local school in need.

The Mackenzies team’s tremendous support is greatly appreciated by all at Forthview – and they may just find that their generosity is reciprocated by a grateful community. Well done, Mackenzies!

PS: And the icing on the cake – a number of the missing bikes have been recovered too!