police scotland2

Police Scotland is appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at an Edinburgh bookmaker. The incident happened around 6.35pm yesterday at the Ladbrokes store on Crichton Place.

A 23-year-old man was working in the property while four male customers placed bets and watched the TV screens. At this time two males entered the premises and made their way to the front of the shop.

One of the men placed a plastic bag on the counter while the other stood back holding a long object that was concealed within a black bag. The men then demanded the staff member hand over the store’s money.

A two-figure sum of cash was put into a bag and both suspects made off onto Iona Street, before heading towards Albert Street where they were lost to sight.

Police are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.

The first suspect is described as white, 5ft 11ins tall with a heavy build He was wearing a dark blue hat, blue hooded top with white laces and zip, a dark-coloured body warmer with a light-grey hood, dark jeans, dark footwear and was carrying a white plastic bag. His face was covered with a maroon scarf.

The second suspect is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall with a slim build. He was wearing an olive green Ralph Lauren baseball cap, light-grey hooded top with small a small triangular emblem on the left side, blue jeans, dark footwear and carrying the long black bag. His face was covered with a striped scarf.

Detective Sergeant Lyle Shaw said: “Neither the member of staff, nor the customers inside the store, can confirm what was within the black bag. However, we believe the suspects wanted it to appear they had a firearm.

“We are conducting local enquiries in the area to identify these men and anyone who recognises their description is asked to contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone who was in or around Crichton Place yesterday evening and remembers seeing anything suspicious is also urged to get in touch.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.