POLICE CALL FOR WITNESSES
The following press release was issued by Police Scotland this afternoon. We reproduce it undedited and in full.
Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in the city centre.
The incident happened around 4.45pm on Thursday 7 July on Picardy Place.
An 81-year-old woman withdrew money from a cash machine before crossing onto York Place.As she passed the Conan Doyle pub, a female suspect approached her and took her back to the cash machine.
The suspect then forced the victim to withdraw money, and robbed her of a three-figure sum.
Two men then assisted the victim, and the incident was reported to police.
The suspect is described as around 5ft 2in, olive skin, around 30-years-old with a stocky build.
She was wearing a green anorak and black trousers, with a white scarf over her head.
Detective Constable Alison Wyllie, of Gayfield CID, said: "This was a brazen attack in broad daylight at the start of rush hour.
"We're looking to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this, or perhaps noticed the suspect leading the victim to the ATM.
"It's also possible someone may remember a woman who matches the description of the suspect watching the victim before the robbery took place."
Those with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.