Police are appealing for witnesses after a disabled man was hurt and a woman had her purse stolen during robberies in Edinburgh on Saturday August 6.

The first incident took place at 1.45 a.m. on Saturday 6th August when a 53-year-old man was walking in Balfour Place, Edinburgh. He was grabbed from behind and thrown to the ground before having a quantity of money stolen from his pocket. He suffered minor injuries as a result of this attack.

The suspect is described as being a white male, 5ft 4ins tall with a thin build, chubby face, clean-shaven and short brown hair.

At 9 p.m. on the same day a 49-year-old woman entered the Newkirkgate Shopping Centre from Leith Walk, Edinburgh and went to the Bank of Scotland cash machine.

She took her purse out of her handbag and was then barged into by the suspect who grabbed it before running away past Farmfoods.

The suspect is described as being a white male, 16-17 years old, 5ft4 – 5ft6, slim build, short mousey brown hair, wearing blue tracksuit with white stripes down both legs and white trainers.

Detective Sergeant Mark Lumsden of Gayfield CID said: “We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed either incident and would ask anyone with information to contact police immediately.

“In addition, anyone who recognises the description of either suspect and can help identify them should also come forward.

“Police Scotland does not believe these incidents are linked. However, we are keeping an open mind about this.”

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