police scotland2

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery in the city-centre on Monday evening around 20.45.

A 36-year-old man was walking alone and passed a group of four male youths as he walked down the steps leading from Chambers Street to the Cowgate.

At this time the group attempted to snatch the man’s headphones. However, he refused to surrender them and a struggle ensued.

This struggle continued onto the Cowgate before the suspect’s gave up their attempt and made off.

Police were then contacted and officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.

The group were described as being in their late teens or early twenties. Two of the suspects were black, while the other two were white.

One of the black males is described as being 5ft 6ins tall with a medium build, wearing a blue hooded top with the hood up.

One of the white males is described as 5ft 4ins tall with a medium build and wearing a grey hooded top with the hood up. He spoke with a Scottish accent.

It is believed the youths may also have previously been loitering in the Meadows and Buccleuch Place areas earlier that evening.

Detective Constable Richard Johnston said: “Fortunately the victim was not injured during this incident, nor did he lose his headphones during the struggle.

“Nevertheless we are treating this matter seriously and are eager to speak with anyone who can help us trace the youths responsible.

“The Cowgate is frequently busy and so anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious on Monday evening is asked to contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone with any further information relevant to our enquiry is also asked to get in touch.”

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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.