Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted and robbed in the Cameron Toll area on New Year’s Eve.

The incident took place at a pedestrian crossing on Lady Road around 8.30am on Sunday 31st December.

An 80-year-old woman was pushed to the ground from behind as she crossed the road and her shopping bag was stolen.

The woman was seen by the Scottish Ambulance Service as a precaution and was, thankfully, uninjured.

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 8ins to 10ins tall, of slim to medium build, in his early twenties and walked with a distinctive gait.

He was wearing a black shiny tracksuit top, which was possibly Nike, a hoodie with the hood up, grey cotton tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

He ran back towards Cameron Toll after the robbery, before he was last seen heading in the direction of the Inch.

Detective Constable Alastair Paisley of Gayfield CID said: “This was a distressing incident for the woman and we’re appealing for the public’s help as part of the ongoing investigation.

“We believe that the suspect was loitering at the entrance to the shopping centre, then within the main walkway, and that he may have approached people before following the victim as she left.

“We’d urge anyone who witnessed the robbery, who may have seen the suspect in the area shortly before or after the incident, or who recognises his description to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0966 of 31st December, or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.